Time to organize and conquer. The holidays are coming which means shopping, cooking, cleaning, company and admist all that activity, it also means expectations. These expectations are not only from us but also from others. Kids come home and expect their favorite dishes and that they can step back in time to when they were living at home and life was easier in many ways. Families expect the Norman Rockwell picture of home for the holidays and family all getting together. Unfortunately, we can't make everything picture perfect even if we try. Not everyone will be able to come home or even want to. Some have family commitments elsewhere or just want to start their own traditions. It gets so hectic that we forget to sit down and just enjoy the time. I stop and look at those that are going through rough times, whether financially, socially, physically and so many other ways and maybe there is just nothing left to pour into making it the holiday you dream about. Families that are facing the possible loss of a family member to poor health issues and although we want to make it like it has always been, there is the elephant in the room. How do you talk about the difficult things, what do you to say to someone facing those issues, how to support families that are dealing with those things? I wish I had the answer and the skill to make it easier or better. The best gift you can give though without a doubt is: Time and Listening. Come to think of it, isn't that what we all need or want? Someone to listen and just spend some time with you. So maybe this year the outdoor wreaths don't go up and maybe I won't spend infinite amounts of time making cookies that the birds eventually eat and maybe I will just go and sit and listen. If I get too caught up and too tired out it is time for me to take time for myself so that I can share the best I have to give. Sometimes you just need to refill your own needs so that you can better fill others. Turn the TV off, get up and go out for a walk, listen to the sounds of living and treat yourself and others gently and with kindness and time. Make it a great day!
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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