Well, folks, the Holidays are upon us. I know many who have been so tense and stressed out that they didn’t think we would make it this far. And from what I can tell, it’s finally allowing for some much-needed introspection on exactly what matters to most of society.
Peace of mind, for both you and your family
As I sat down to my usual blank word document this week. I couldn’t help but feel a tad intimidated. The tricky part I have run into when it comes to this blog is that I am always worried about tarnishing the mood, let alone my ability to be desired in your average table talk. With it being the holidays, it’s likely that many are checked out and just bracing for the next year. Which would make sense, because we have all experienced a tremendous barrage of information blasting towards each other at an alarming rate this year.
There is something incredibly tumultuous about the way we view each other these days. It’s quite upsetting when I read articles that pit families against each other over the holidays over political or cultural nonsense. It’s been enough to make anyone crazy. I can’t help but feel that some sort of counter-message needs to be stated. After all, nobody wants to be left out in the cold simply because they don’t agree with the ideologies of their friends and family. I don’t think anyone should spend their holidays “de-programming” each other, but rather attempting to make each moment as memorable as possible.
While it may be tempting to talk about the slew of social injustices around us when we are with our loved ones, I would advise that now is not the time. It can be easy to get lost in the weeds about such passionate conversations which could likely turn the conversation or even the relationship sour.
“I don’t know how to be silent, when my heart is speaking”
-Fyodor Dostoevsky
Growing up I was taught that you never talk about Religion, Sex, or Politics. Of course, being the rebel that I am, I just assumed this meant that most people did not know how to navigate these conversations in a polite or disciplined manner. But as I look around at friends and family who are losing their once close-knit ties, I can’t help but think my parents were quite right about this. We really should not be talking about such trivial matters during times of celebration.
That being said I would like to remain rather calm this week, as many of us are likely to be suffering from an exhausting food coma. Nobody should want to talk about the horrors of humanity, during what is supposed to be the “Hallmark Moment.”
Instead, I want to reverse course back to tradition and list things that I am thankful for because I do believe the world needs a bit of gratitude when times are tough. To manifest the positive around us is to enlighten those lost in the dark, that light is quite abundant for those who need it the most. The greater the darkness, the brighter the light. If I can help shine any sort of light in the nihilistic abyss that people have fallen into, then I am thankful for the opportunity to tell people that we are all going to be ok.
- I am thankful for a loving wife and family, that has helped me navigate such a complex time, even during moments where I feel like I had completely lost my marbles.
- I am thankful for my children, who guide me daily into becoming a better father. Every day they help me become the man that I wish to be.
- I am thankful I live in a time that allows knowledge to be received, even by those who are unable to participate traditionally. I have become very fond of multitasking with audible in one ear, and a keyboard at my fingers. If not for my love for the pursuit of knowledge, it is quite unlikely I would be writing any of this, let alone leaving the comfort of my home.
- I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to speak my mind around individuals who may strongly disagree with me. It’s important to me because they may understand something I do not. My goal is always to learn where my ideas differ, and why.
- I am thankful for those with a sense of humor, which allows people like me to find laughter in the darkest of moments.
- I am thankful to be part of a community that looks after their own, even when they disagree.
- Most of all I am thankful to be above the dirt for yet another day, especially when I know of too many this year, who weren’t afforded the same luxury.
And of course,
I am thankful for anyone, who would stop and read the ramblings…
Of A Young Fool.
