DON'T. TAKE IT. FOR. GRANTED.

I saw a sticker on Pinterest the other day that said "Be grateful for another day. Not everybody made it, so don't take it for granted." 

That hit me like an emotional Tsunami.  It's that Wonderful Time of the Year but I am not  really feeling the "Joy" of the Holidays. 
Why? 
I lost my dad on New Year's Eve 15 years ago, so this time of the year is always tough for me, especially when it's a time to be happy, to feel Joyful and embrace family...

I am usually very private about this and have told very few people (but the secret is out now).  It took me many years to understand that it's ok to still cry, miss him and think about him.  I used to avoid calling my mom around the Holidays because I knew we would both cry and get emotional.  I realized that was selfish of me so the past few years I always made sure to call her and listen to her tell me how much she misses him.  The key word here is LISTEN.  She needs someone to listen to her so I make sure that I'm available to her (because she is the only parent I have left).

This time of the year can be tough on people for other reasons: feeling lonely, the unrealistic expectation of being perfect (what is perfect anyway?), family disagreements, political madness and the list goes on and on...

And even though everyone seems to be SO happy on their social media pages, the truth is not always so clear.  

So how can we cope?  Instead of feeling sorry, stressed, depressed, lonely, overworked, under appreciated, why not try something like this:

1. Call a friend and honestly tell him/her how you're feeling.  Vent. Rant.  You might be surprised at the support you get back.  Even if you don't, you already got it out of your chest!
2. Walk into a church, temple, synagogue, or mosque...you don't have to be religious.  You just need to have some peace of mind and these places usually give you that.  No strings attached.  I always go in and have quiet conversations with my dad.  I tell him what's going on with his granddaughter.  How much she grew and how much she would have loved to meet him.  It might sound silly, but I'd like to think he's listening.  
3. Volunteer.  Why?  Because it makes you feel good.  I volunteer at a local food pantry and that experience always brings me back to reality.  Find someone in need and lend a hand.  Be the hero for that person.
4. Be kind.  Everyone is fighting a different battle.  Don't judge.  Be gracious.  Don't act like the Grinch.
5. Be grateful.  That goes back to the sticker I read the other day.  It's true.  What's the alternative? I'm not ready to hand in my time card just yet.  So everyday when I wake up I'm going to say Thanks I'm still here.
6. Remember, don't take life too serious.  Enjoy it.  Laugh. Love. Have FUN! 

How about you?  How do you cope with the season?