How Are You Doing?

Good day love! How are you feeling today? No, I'm not looking for the commercialized "I'm fine" response. I mean, how are you really feeling? It's no joke that COVID-19 has taken most of us by storm and as much as I'm sure you've tried to shake it, it's unfortunately the unwanted pest we cannot seem to get rid of. In my last post, I asked "What Are You Thankful For?" A part of the reason is that around this time, some of us feel the burden of not having the picture-perfect holiday, that the media portrays. The truth about this time of year, so popularly known as "cuffing season", is that sometimes, people feel lonely for a variety of reasons.

A couple of years ago, a dear friend of mine mentioned that around this time of year, some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder AKA SAD. Initially, I thought she was joking until I googled it. For those of us especially in the US, who suffer from daylight savings when it gets dark at 4 o'clock and the whole world seems topsy turvy, it can dampen one's mood. It doesn't help then, that it's suddenly night time in the early evening. When you add loneliness on top of that, the holidays seem, depressing.

Maybe you've lost a family member or friend, just suffered a break-up, or are lacking in the intimate relationship department. Maybe, it's possible that you've had to let go of some relationships (family/friends alike) because they were a detriment to your mental, maybe even physical health. There is a lot that we've gone through, and are still going through. Not to mention there hasn't been a pause button to get a breather. This is why I stress the importance of self-care. We are our main priority. So what happens when you combine 2020 with seasonal affective disorder, and regular life mishaps? Ticking time bomb!

I don't want you to feel as though I'm discouraging you from being happy. All I'm saying is, it's okay if you aren't. Take some time to assess your emotions. It's okay to break down, or feel like you don't have it all together. It may sometimes feel like you're the only person you have left. But as cliché as it sounds, you aren't alone. God is your strength and your redeemer [Psalms 19:14]. When all seems dreary, remember, He'll never leave you nor forsake you [Deuteronomy 31:6]. Don't hide behind the holiday happiness thinking that how you feel will magically go away. Don't 'fake it til you make it'. Pray about it. Write it out. Go for a socially distanced drive and release your thoughts.

Full disclosure, I have not been feeling the holiday spirit at all. Maybe it's been due to the shifts that are happening but I am not feeling it. I've also been trying to navigate through this weird state with everything that's going on. My best friend put me on to a good read by T.D. Jakes entitled When Women Pray. I'm not even halfway through the book and it has lifted my spirit so much; I just started reading on Saturday night! I say this to say, prayer changes things. Don't underestimate it's value. You may be suffering silently during this holiday season, but sis, pray. God knows and understands your heart, even when you're quiet. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.