As the Christmas season approaches, and the late night shopping begins, we feel festive and excited for the season. Sometime sis is all too easy to get caught up in what we have or don’t have. I’m as guilty as the next person for thinking about advent calendar and Christmas jumpers .
Yet, as many of us know, not all of us are feeling festive this time of year, some struggle with loneliness, depression, eating disorders and there are families who struggle to ‘make ends meet’, who are still struggling. This season can exacerbate these struggles.
I invite my friends and followers to take a moment of reflection about how our actions are supporting peace, kindness and goodwill to all. It might be that your checking up on an elderly neighbour, your choosing charity Christmas cards this year, you offer your family members to collect children from school to give them a break, to keep calling that friend who seems like they’re not interested in speak but are actually suffering and need a friend. Being mindful not to judge each other for the extra snacks and ‘holiday weight’ because these comments are damaging to those trying to recover from an Eating Disorder. We all do small acts of kindness and this time of year, we need it more than ever.
Usually I donate to charity every year but this year I’ve done something different a little different. We have a sponsored family through the yoga studio- where I saw that the little boy of 12 months required PJs. This brought me to tears thinking about those who need a small act of kindness. Knowing that an innocent child will have a little more comfort this year, brings me more warm, fuzzy feelings that the advent calendar or the jumpers (although these are still nice treats!)
Hold your close ones dear this year and all the wonderful privileges we receive.
If you or someone you know is struggling this year, please see the links to help and support.
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/how-many-people-eating-disorder-uk
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/