Mean, Dirty, Old Low-Down Blues

This is supposed to be the jolliest time of the year, isn’t it? Thanksgiving is nearly here and right on its heels comes Christmas. Ho-ho-ho! Bright lights, fluffy snow, family and friends gathering in, gifts, food, laughter and conversation. It’s the happiest time of the year; only, sometimes it’s not.

Psychologists say that holidays are the hardest for people who have lost loved ones or are alone. We feel we are supposed to be happy but, somehow, happiness eludes us. The bright lights and bustling activity just serve to contrast more sharply with our feelings of being alone.

And then, for others, that lonely or sad time of day comes every day or night, along about evening. My mother said she hated to eat alone, especially at supper because at suppertime, the family gathered in. But, children grow up, people scatter, and the old supper table sits empty. Except for one. One person where there used to be a family.

So, what do we do to combat these mean, dirty, old low-down blues? If you haven’t experienced them yet, hang tight ’cause chances are, you will. I believe it is one of the facts of nature. However, we don’t have to just give up and give in to those miserable feelings. We can actually do something to combat them and climb out of the depths into the sunshine again.

I’ve found that being with people is a good antidote. Make an effort to go visit someone, especially someone who may be as lonely or lonelier than you. Of course, children are a wonderful positive note to anything negative.  Pop in to the grandchildren’s house and see what they are up to. Starting a project, whether it is re-finishing a table, knitting an afghan, writing a poem, or (listen up, authors) writing a chapter or two of the current work in progress, or painting a picture can take us out of ourselves into another, more pleasant realm.

Prayer and repeating Scripture is a balm that heals aching hearts. Sitting down for a heart-to–heart with a friend we trust and talking about our misery is an excellent healing activity.

Reading has gotten me through more dismal hours than I could count. If I have a good book, especially a mystery,  reality melts away and I am within the pages of fiction, experiencing new things, getting into and out of hair-raising scrapes. I forget, momentarily, just what I’m worried about.

Maybe the holidays are what they were meant to be for you. You may be at your cheeriest in this busy, bright time of year. It’s wonderful if you are and you can be an encouragement to those who may not be feeling so happy.

No matter your feelings or attitude or hurting heart, know that you are not alone. Many people experience the same things. And, whatever you do, don’t give up. You may think no one understands or cares but that isn’t true. Many people would count it a blessing to encourage a fellow traveler on this journey of life. When the skies grow dark and the cold wind blows, remember that it won’t last. The blues will pass, the sun will shine, and you will come out the victor.