Red Bluff Blairs

The holidays aren't a happy time for everyone It’s the most wonderful time of the year It’s the happiest season of all And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near... That is what we are told. As a society we believe that the holiday season is a time of blessing, love, friendships, and family; a time of togetherness to give thanks, share stories, and be joyful. I know that not everyone has the opportunity to experience the most wonderful time of year. I know that... not everyone has family and friends that are near. This is for you: for those who struggle this time of year. You may remember a previous column in which I blogged about the 40 different types of grief. Holidays and anniversaries amplify the intensity of grief. The grief you are experiencing is unique to you, it is based on your personal loss, on your experience. The world is full of people who grieve, individuals who are angry, exhausted, confused and hopeless. But no one knows exactly how you feel; you are the only person who truly understands you. Just remember that you are not alone. Trust that others do get it, they too have experienced the roller coaster of emotions, and they too look at the empty chair at the table. Although a person may not be able to identify exactly with you, they can relate. So through this holiday season know that you are never alone. For the parent trying to sing Christmas carols, decorate the house, and put on a happy and bright face for your children: know it will get better. Your heart is heavy, your stress is high, and this too will pass. You are enough, do the best that you can each day and know that it is enough. The pain you are experiencing now is temporary. I know that is difficult to believe, because in this moment it seems like forever, but there will be holidays when joy returns, when you surround yourself with the people who love and support you unconditionally, and when you can recognize the goodness in yourself again. For right now, don’t beat yourself up for not wanting to deck the halls. Don’t feel guilty for not having everything prepared. It is okay that right now everything is not okay; it will be okay someday and it is okay if that is not for a while. Rachel Velishek is a licensed professional clinical counselor with Fisher-Titus Behavioral Health, Fisher-Titus Medical Park 2, Suite C, 282 Benedict Ave., Norwalk. Her office can be reached at 419-668-0311. For more information on Fisher-Titus Behavioral Health, visit fishertitus.org/behavioral-health.

For those we love and have lost...

We all met in Redding this morning to paint the office Pink! Think Pink Ya'll awareness is power. #ThinkPinkThursdays