As we head into the festivities of end of year, it’s sure that Christmas and this holiday period isn’t a joyous event for everyone (notwithstanding different religious beliefs). There is plenty of evidence of the stress associated with family get-togethers, unfinished debates, unspoken differences and awkward gift exchanges. It can also be a lonely time. Five years ago, in the run up to Xmas, my wonderful friend Philippe took his own life, so I am well aware.
First of all, if you’re feeling despondent or lonely, please reach out to some friends. Heck, write to me!
Secondly, consider how you’d like to make this Christmas different. Who’d you like to connect with at a deeper level?
What kinds of meaningful conversations would you like to have during this holiday period?
I’d love to hear what thoughts or questions you might have?
I definitely agree that this is a tremendously difficult time. As I have gotten older and my children are grown and gone, my personal joy in the holiday has shifted from delight to - I hate to admit - dread. My mother (93) is slipping and Dad is gone, and, etc.! I do not feel alone in having this feeling, but what I wanted to say here is that I truly miss the excitement that I did feel, once upon a time. However, I am looking forward to the new year and the opportunities that will come. And many thanks for these meaningful conversations Minter.
Thanks Charlie. I was listening to a speech the other night that said that the word 'noël' means "new" and thus to focus on the new opportunities makes great sense.
Wow my friend this is the topic. I don't even know if I am going to attend Christmas festivities with my family. Covid brought us, conspiration theories, anti vax with sprinkles of Qanon, fear of tap water... and now ghosts, magnetism, expensive quantum healing machines. All of this in the parent's house.
I think I'm going to "tropical" myself to avoid conflict. Did I forget to say that with an ukrainian wife some believe in this house that the referendum in annexed regions of Donbass were fair?
That sound insane.
In these times, I've watched debates between Richard Dawkins and creationists.
It is an inspiration for what a behaved conversation should be.
So english, it is delightful.
Any piece of advice on how to overpass frustration over lack of logic?
Ouch. It feels like things are rather rocky. My only thought goes to trying to understand how and why your family members have developed these thoughts. And it's also useful to be introspective as to how/why we end up tethered to our positions too.... The key point is leveraging empathy to dig in on understanding the other person's perspective.... There's often a backstory.
I definitely agree that this is a tremendously difficult time. As I have gotten older and my children are grown and gone, my personal joy in the holiday has shifted from delight to - I hate to admit - dread. My mother (93) is slipping and Dad is gone, and, etc.! I do not feel alone in having this feeling, but what I wanted to say here is that I truly miss the excitement that I did feel, once upon a time. However, I am looking forward to the new year and the opportunities that will come. And many thanks for these meaningful conversations Minter.
Thanks Charlie. I was listening to a speech the other night that said that the word 'noël' means "new" and thus to focus on the new opportunities makes great sense.
It is helping already! My very best to you.
Wow my friend this is the topic. I don't even know if I am going to attend Christmas festivities with my family. Covid brought us, conspiration theories, anti vax with sprinkles of Qanon, fear of tap water... and now ghosts, magnetism, expensive quantum healing machines. All of this in the parent's house.
I think I'm going to "tropical" myself to avoid conflict. Did I forget to say that with an ukrainian wife some believe in this house that the referendum in annexed regions of Donbass were fair?
That sound insane.
In these times, I've watched debates between Richard Dawkins and creationists.
It is an inspiration for what a behaved conversation should be.
So english, it is delightful.
Any piece of advice on how to overpass frustration over lack of logic?
Ouch. It feels like things are rather rocky. My only thought goes to trying to understand how and why your family members have developed these thoughts. And it's also useful to be introspective as to how/why we end up tethered to our positions too.... The key point is leveraging empathy to dig in on understanding the other person's perspective.... There's often a backstory.
I've bookmarked to listen to the Dawkins debate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb5uuMskioo&ab_channel=CelebrityUniverse) -- thanks for the reminder!
Merry Christmas to you, Thierry! I щасливого Різдва to your wife! :)