Holiday Greetings

It is the time of year to reflect on the people and experiences of the past year and the impact this has had on you. Though, what a trying year it has been for us all. I just saw a report on the increase in mood disorders, substance use, and domestic violence cases which saddened me greatly. I often wonder how people can turn their back on their problems and celebrate the holiday season.

Happiness is a choice. No matter how bad things are, it is important, to do what my father always says, “Count your blessings”. When ill, unemployed, and wondering where you can live, or where your next meal is coming from, is it possible to see blessings?

I am reminded of the time I was in bed with Pneumonia, unable to work for a month, and struggling to breathe. What a process it was on the mental level to count the blessings I still had. I did find a few: my heart was beating, my digestive tract was working, I had my vision, taste, and smell. Not much at the time, but focusing on the positives sure got me through a dreadful time.

My heart goes out to those with Covid. Finding blessings in that has been a constant topic in our program at Basic Steps. You would be surprised how people are reconnecting with others, forced to slow down and appreciate what they do have, and above all treasure the interactions they have with others.

Oh yes, it is easy to complain, which I think is our automatic go-to. I found myself one day walking at my favorite spot just below Mt Baker. The trail was right along white water rapids and the water splashing in the air brought me that surfer’s high. So what if it was pouring down rain? I loved the joyful feeling I was having. And then a couple came marching up the trail and the first words out of my mouth were – “I can’t believe how soaked I am”. Yeah, no shit. Forget the joy, I have been trained by my family and society to lead with my negativity and bond that way. Realizing this, I blurted out, “But I am really happy too!”

This holiday season is a good reminder to me to focus on what the holiday really means – rebirth. Rebirth of our commitment to the God of our understanding, the rebirth of our commitment to focus on joy and wellbeing, and even the rebirth of relationships we may have let flounder by the roadside. How are the people that you haven’t said I love you to in a long time? Who are you stubbornly holding resentments toward when you need to let it go and give them a second chance? That is the real meaning of the holidays to me. Who knows, with this pandemic we don’t know how much longer our loved ones have, or even ourselves.

I remember watching the Scrooge cartoon when I was a child, wondering how in the world can anybody be like that. Then last year it happened to myself, no decorations, no gift-giving, and all I did was isolate because my family was so far away and I was stuck in this area away from all of my loved ones. Guess what? I am stuck away from them again and have given myself a choice. Do I want to be miserable again or do I want to enjoy myself, the little things in life that make it enjoyable, and get that tree that makes the house stink so much – I mean in a good way.

So happy holidays to you all. Try to make the best out of this gift of life. And let’s make 2021 a year to remember – I mean in a good way.

Compassionate Care is Always Available

There are many more tools and strategies you can use in your pursuit of happiness. Here is where we come in. Contact us at Basic Steps Mental Health and let us support and educate you on this journey back to your loving heart center. Imagine living a heart-centered life, regardless of what is happening externally. We’d love to be of help.

For 25 years, Dr. Scott Alpert, the clinical director of Basic Steps Mental Health, has treated over 7,000 people with mental health and addiction problems, using a Psychological approach that mixes and matches ten of the top approaches used in the industry.  We are here virtually and in-person to help you get through this COVID-19 pandemic and many other difficulties you may be experiencing.

May you have good mental health.