This is my last column of the year and I would like to turn the tables and address my readers.
This world can be somewhat overwhelming at times with so much going on, especially with career issues, raising children, and trying to keep relationships healthy and happy. At times our priorities get messed up and we lose our perspective on what is important. We get caught up in the trivialities of day-to-day life and lose sight of the big picture.
At the end of the day, family and friendships are what are important. Career and work will end one day, and at that point you will look to your family and friends for happiness and enjoyment in life. Many people don’t realize this until it is too late, or when they have lost someone. At this point their world comes crashing down around them and they are filled with anger and regret. don’t let this happen to you. Cherish your family and friends, warts and all!
Christmas frequently creates feelings of nostalgia in many of us. Use those feelings as a starting point to change your life, not just for the Christmas season, but forever. If you are still fortunate enough to have parents, enjoy them and treat them with patience and love. Not only for this Christmas, but always. Many people are missing their parents and would change places with you in a heartbeat. If your children are young, cherish your memories. They will grow up far too quickly and you will wonder where their childhood went. If you have a partner, accept their shortcomings, as we all have them. Choose to focus on the love and kindness you have shared together. Also, remember grandchildren are the most special gift your children can give you. Cherish them and create memories that they will treasure and someday share with their own children. Finally, consider a person’s intentions before you judge them. Very few people truly intend to hurt another person; it is their own inner pain lashing out. Treat them kindly.
Most importantly, love yourself and regard yourself with the same love, compassion, and understanding as you would your best friend.
Throughout this last year I hope that by offering an objective voice to your problems and difficult decisions I have been of some assistance to all of you, and that I will continue to be in the new year.
Finally, I would like to wish my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back.”
– Abigail Van Buren
Email your questions to voice@voicemagazine.org. Some submissions may be edited for length or to protect confidentiality; your real name and location will never be printed. This column is for entertainment only. The author is not a professional counsellor and this column is not intended to take the place of professional advice.