Before I begin, my plan for the remainder of 2024 is to keep things a bit simpler here on the blog. I’ll still be posting something each week but it’s going to be more about contemplation or hopefully inspiration rather than tips or techniques.

We are now just three weeks from Christmas Eve. I know not all of my followers may be a Christian but most are certainly familiar with Christmas. Regardless of your religious beliefs, I hope you all have a wonder season whichever holiday you observe.

The prelude to Christmas is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year. But what if it’s not?

The Reality

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a familiar Christmas song made popular by pop singer Andy Williams for his first Christmas album in 1963. You can enjoy a more current release by Dan & Shay by by clicking here.

The song creates a beautiful picture of the perfect holiday season, where everyone is caroling and roasting marshmallows, where hearts are glowing, and everyone is telling you to be of good cheer! Doesn’t that sound lovely? This is the lyrical version of a Hallmark Christmas movie, where many people would prefer to spend their holidays, because reality is not nearly as idyllic.

The reality of the holiday season is that this time of year can also bring feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress. I know more than a few people (me included) who feel that they are doing something wrong if they don’t feel “happy” during the entire holiday season.

It’s easy to feel like you’re a Grinch in Whoville or the “Bah Humbug” Ebeneezer Scrooge when you can’t embrace the fantasy that we’re all supposed to be cheerful and jolly for weeks on end. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay not to be festive 24/7. Let’s look at the reality of all that has led up to this particular holiday season.

Not A Great Year

Dare I say that 2024 has been, by most accounts, a very challenging year globally. A staggering number of countries have engaged in conflict. The entire world is suffering economic losses, food insecurity, soaring energy prices and global political upheaval. We’ve seen many high-profile individuals plagued by serious health problems, scandals and/or legal issues.

For more than a few it feels like our entire culture/society is spinning out of control. I generally try very hard to concentrate on the positive. I try to see two sides of any situation and to find the “silver lining”…but, this past year has felt, at least to me, like an out of balance centrifuge that is beginning to spin out of control. In almost every arena of our culture (at least here in the United States), we seem to be devolving into polarized extremism and have lost the ability for reasoned discussion.

As far as the silver lining – I can say that turmoil and disruption are sometimes necessary to effect positive change. But when is enough, enough?

My Year

I’ve always tried to be someone who has things under control (yeah, that pesky Type-A personality again). I managed my money carefully, enjoyed my independence, and kept my personal life mostly private. I felt like my life was a fortress, protected from the surprises that often trouble others. But when 2024 began, everything changed in ways I didn’t expect.

If stability is like solid ground, then 2024 felt like an earthquake. I faced a series of tough problems in my personal life, that shook me to my core. For months it felt like everything was crumbling, and I realized that no amount of planning could protect me from life’s surprises.

During these hard times I realized that my true strength wasn’t just in managing things on my own; it was in my “support network”. The people who stood by me, encouraged me, lifted me up…they became my main support. This all reminded me that while I had always valued being self-sufficient, it’s okay to be vulnerable and to rely on others. A large dose of humble pie, for sure.

This journey through 2024 has changed how I see stability. It’s no longer just about being alone in my fortress; instead, it’s about the network of support I have built over time. I want to be the kind of friend and ally that others have been to me. Every interaction is a chance to strengthen our bonds and weave our lives together.

I’ve learned to balance my desire for independence with the realization that we are stronger when we support each other. Life will still bring surprises, but I feel much stronger now – not because of walls I built, but because of the loving relationships around me. I’m determined to face the future with humility and gratitude.

So, while I don’t know what 2025 will bring, I choose to face each day with a new purpose; to cherish and nurture all that makes life beautiful. To journey forward, embracing the promise of renewal and eagerly anticipating the surprises in store; all the time remembering I have a fantastic support network.

A Different Advent

I am a Christian – Catholic to be exact. We entered the season of Advent on December 1st. Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas.

But Advent can also be a time for preparation and anticipation of the coming year. So, what are we to do? First, let’s accept that the idea of this being the most wonderful time of year is somewhat a myth. We may not have weeks of unending bliss. But we can still create some wonderful moments during this time of year.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Advent as: the fact of an event happening, an invention being made, or a person arriving. But lest we forget, Advent is a season of hope, peace joy and love. A time to watch, prepare, rejoice, and behold. Prepare for the new year like never before by using this Advent not only to prepare for Christmas but to prepare for the future.

A New Chance

Globally, many will find anticipating the future to be very difficult. Here in the US so many have been disillusioned; are feeling disenfranchised or even angry about the year-long presidential campaigns and the ultimate results. Not everyone saw the results they wished for or expected.

For some Americans the new year marks a new morning. For others it feels like the mourning of a nation they no longer recognize. Regardless of where you stand, let’s all remember that we live in a remarkable, free country. We are better together, and we are better when we choose to build bridges rather than burn them.

2024 is in the rearview (or at least nearly)…and 2025 is straight ahead. We all must gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. We all face things that we cannot change. We experience relationships, life situations, work situations, etc., that for a variety of reasons we must continue to face, even though they can be unpleasant, distressing or exhausting.

We must move forward. We must accept and carry on. We must learn how not to worry, lament or agonize about things over which we have no control and embrace the fact that we each can control how we deal with things.

We may not be able to change the world right now, this very second. What we can do, though, is to remember that we each have our own support network. They will always be here, to listen, support and remind us that we are heard.

No one can really make our anxious feelings go away. But we can promise each other that we won’t ever need to feel those anxious feelings alone. And we need to remind one another that while we can’t necessarily control/change the world…we can control how we choose to react.

As a woman of faith, I often cling to an old saying…“Let go and let God!” I know I certainly don’t have all the answers but I do know who does…God. God is always in complete control of the situations surrounding us, whether they are glorious, painful or frightening. He urges us to take refuge in His power. Even though chaos swirls around, our part is to trust Him.

Christian or not, let’s all free ourselves from the weight of past experiences and open our hearts to the newness about to be revealed. The promise isn’t just for a change in circumstances but also for an internal renewal – a new mindset, fresh ideas, and an openness to growth.

And here is my final thought for you today. I invite you to grab a cup of whatever comforting beverage you enjoy, sit back, close your eyes and just listen to “Let Go, Let God”…

I wish you the clarity to see that you are strong enough to handle your challenges and capable enough to face the future with anticipation rather than dread.

Thanks for reading this week’s “Tuesday Tip”. Keep an eye out for whatever surprise message I have for you next week. Click “Follow Me” to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!