Dear Reader. Today
I would like to thank you. First of all, because you are reading this text now.
Whether you do this more often or today for the first time: I am honored. Even
though I may not know you, and you may not write to respond to me, I am still grateful.
You could read or do so many other things at the moment, but your eyes are
gliding over these particular words, which I typed especially for you. It might
be a hectic time for you, as it is for so many. I can empathize with that,
because I have allowed many family Christmases to slip away in times when I was busy creating the Christmas spirit for others. Today I am not doing that
anymore. I prefer instead to simply write here that I appreciate you. And this
really has nothing to do with Christmas or the New Year, even though this is a great
time to do it.
In December we
think deeper on things. We don’t just spend more money to express our gratitude
to others, but we also take a more thorough look at things that we might
otherwise miss. Thoughts of loved ones who are no longer with us; relationships
that derailed; family, friends or acquaintances that face troubles: our heart
goes out to them more in this time than normal. And because we think deeper
about the troubles of life, this is also an appropriate time to consider how we
can help brighten the lives of others, as well as our own life.
How about the
following: just call the first person that comes to mind, just to say something
nice? You could, of course, also send an email, using very simple, but
meaningful words such as: "I wanted to let you know that I thought of you,"
"I think you’re a great person, and wanted to tell you that today,"
"I want to thank you for your friendship," "I think you’re a
go-getter and I am proud to know you," "I like your voice. It’s very
nice to listen to," "You can always count on me," "I would
love to help whenever possible," "you always make me laugh, and I am
grateful for that!", "you still look very good!", "thank
you that you are in my life!", "The world is a better place because
you are in it," or simply, "I think you are a very special person."
There is no
direct or even indirect reason to do this, but it may be the one thing the
other person may need at the moment, more so than an expensive gift or a great
party. We, humans, are sensitive creatures, even though we don’t always like to
admit it. My heart goes out to all the people who struggle this month with
suffering of any kind. Some may empower you, and others may criticize you, but
only you know how it feels to be in the midst of this trouble. Perhaps the
future looks bleak to you, but this valley also come to an end and the road up is
near. It helps during such difficult moments to realize that practically
everyone experiences troubles at some point, sometimes tougher and sometimes
less distressing, but suffering, just like joy, is a part of life.
So, especially
to those of you who try to stay afloat this month in the face of hardship I
would like to say, "Thank you! Thank you for your courage. You're awesome for
facing this squarely. Each problematic situation is on its way to a solution
from the moment it manifests itself. Every day after the first clap of thunder
is a step towards healing. Thank you for your perseverance and willpower. Thank
you for your patience. Thank you for understanding that this is all a part of
life. There will always be peaks and valleys. They have their reasons. Thank
you for your strength."
I wish you blessed holidays.
