Walk With me on Our Journey: It's okay to have post holiday let down! You wouldn't be human if you didn't! How to help yourself and our family members.

Dear Family of Love,

Today I woke up feeling pretty good and then this afternoon it all went into Blues Land. The post holiday let down and blues got me. I suspect since I have been getting to know you all pretty well that you are going through the same thing. I'm here to tell you that it is okay to have post holiday let down! You wouldn't be human if you didn't. Holidays bring with them their own built in highs and lows. After the holidays aren't any different. If you have been away for the holidays and now it is time to come back to home base and normal aspects of daily living you may find your self getting the blues and yest even SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and sad. We all want to capture every good and positive memory that these special days hold and the opposite is also true if we are faced with a not so positive holiday time and feel like fleeing the scene of sadness, anger, and discomfort. These are all normal. When I spoke of the New Normal on Christmas day I hit a nerve and we are still having a positive response to that particular blog post. We must remember always that God is dwelling within us and we haven't anything to fear. When these times of the Sads come we all need to support each other with a kind word, prayer, hug, smile, and an invitation not to be alone. Some of us may be adept at fooling you with our personas that we may give you the impression that we are Hunky Dory ! A cue to find out how we really are is to look in our eyes. The eyes are the mirror of the soul. Tonight let us make a list on how we can help heal our heart homes when we become sad and come down with the post holiday blues. Boy that sounds like a honky-tonk blues song for sure doesn't it? Here is my list!

Here is what you can do for you! ( A sampling)

Pray and connect with God.

Don't be afraid to tell our and your immediate family how you feel. If you feel sad and any other feeling or emotion tell them.

Don't be afraid to cry wherever you are! Tears are our cleansing and healing balms.

Take a walk.

Go for a spa day.

Go to a hopping place for dinner. Dining out can be quite entertaining.

Get more rest.

Challenge yourself to some new game or if you are a crossword puzzle freak try the New Your Times Puzzle.

Eat better. Don't forget to eat and hydrate.

Go to a movie, play, concert , art exhibit, anything artsy.

Watch your alcohol consumption.

Check out this blog: What if the holidays aren't so Holly and Jolly? This is still a good resource and may be used all year long.

Here is what you can do for others!

Pray for them.

Don't be uncomfortable if they tell you how they are really feeling. Don't ask them to lie if it is uncomfortable for you. You are their friend/family member and must have broad shoulders enough to take it.

Call them.

Be a true friend and step up and be with your friend.

Give hugs ( If you have a friend who is not a hugger be mindful of this)

Be a calming and reassuring presence.

Smile.

Check out this blog: What if the holidays aren't so Holly and Jolly? This is still a good resource and may be used all year long

Bring them something that will make a difference and help them in their life.

Do not treat them as invisible and ignore them. Lovingly respond to their needs.

Now that we have finished our list let us pray for all of our family members this night.

God we pray for all of our family members who are going through depression, sadness, and SAD this evening. Comfort and call their hearts.

God we pray for all who are in mourning and those who are pre-grieving the loss of loved ones.

God we pray for all who are returning home from long journeys and exciting times with family and friends. Comfort their heart homes as they depart and give them your presence to know that our heart homes connect us stronger than any distance.

God we pray for all those who are sick at home, hospital, or care facility. Heal them and give them comfort and the patience to get well.

God help mend our broken hearts and bind up our wounds.

God we pray for all who are serving in your services tomorrow. Heal all those who are in need of healing from colds and laryngitis.

God we pray for all children who are ill especially Baby Sophia and Mallorie.

God we pray for all missing persons that they may be found safe.

God we pray for all those who are going to sleep outside without proper shelter or foodstuffs.

God we pray for peace in this fragile and broken world of yours.

God give us we pray a restful and peaceful night and that we may feel your arms enfolding us.

God we offer these our prayers and those on behalf of our family members remembering especially____

We lift up these our prayers in Jesus' Most Holy Name. Amen.

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Good Night Dear Family of Love, that made me feel much better. Writing God's blog always helps!Have a blessed night! Know and feel my love for you. I give thanks to God for you always. I love you lots. Take time for Sabbath Rest and Care tomorrow.

Love, peace, prayers, and God's blessings be always yours,

Sara