I remember a few years ago as the holiday season was approaching I felt a wave of sadness come over me as I “suddenly” became aware that I was still single and celebrating yet another holiday without a companion. I just remember being sad and feeling lonely. I loved (still do) the idea of having someone special who could come to the family dinners with me, laugh and have a great time together. I cringed at the painful reality of attending another function alone and having to bare the embarrassment behind the BIG question! Oh you know it, “so, when are you going to get married?” The following holiday I just wanted to be alone and left to wallow in my sadness. What I did not realize was that every year prior as the holidays approached I would feel this sadness.
Can you relate? I’d like to shed some light on a few things. First, loneliness and sadness are both a state of being. In fact Wikipedia defines loneliness as: a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship. Second, what I was experiencing and maybe what you are feeling right now, is a demonic attack on your emotions to push you into a cycle of depression and loneliness.
Statistics show that the suicide rate is 40% higher following Christmas than any other time of the year and is linked to people feeling the sadness of not having relational satisfaction. That could be anything from a lack of a companion or relationship with family members. If you are battling with sadness I’d like to share what helped me overcome those negative emotions during a time that was meant for joy and celebration.
- Pray. The most beneficial and effective thing we can ever do for ourselves is to pray. Prayer helps us enter into the presence of God; He chases those negative feelings away.
- Renew your mind. Most times our perspectives are just all wrong! If left unchecked, can skew our vision and rob us of happiness. Get in the word of God and seek godly counsel, your perspectives will
- Don’t be alone. Surround yourself with people who love you. Get out of that rut, go OUT and have some FUN!
- Talk about it. All too often we suffer silently about our struggles when there is help available. Don’t be afraid to tell someone how you are feeling.
- Give—empty yourself. How can you serve someone else in need right now?
- Let gratefulness fill your lips! Gratitude has a way of changing our perspectives from the negative to the positive. Try it, “today, I am grateful for…”
- Realize that happiness comes from within. A companion does not guarantee happiness or contentment. If you are not happy alone, then you won’t be happy with someone.
I do not wish that you just cope with loneliness this holiday season but that you overcome it.