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Ideas To Combat Loneliness During The Holiday Season

Extra Lonely Time Of Year

A holiday is a reminder of how much has changed.  And a holiday is a painful reminder of who is missing.  During the holiday season it’s not unheard of to receive invitations to events because people feel sorry for us—or an invite that we usually receive never arrives.

Don’t take any of this personally.  An invitation to a new event allows you to meet new people—and change is good.  On the other hand, when an invite never arrives realize that the number one reason that people disappear is because they are uncomfortable with grief and loss.  They don’t know what to do or what to say.  Which is sad—but it’s something that we can’t control.  However, all of this can leave us feeling very lonely.

The Result

It’s easy for us to get stuck in an unproductive thinking feeling loop of unmet expectations, sadness, feeling lost, feeling annoyed and feeling very disappointed with family members and friends who are busy with their own responsibilities.  Or, who are afraid to have to a conversation with us.  In times like these you must become your own number one supporter.

Switch Track Your Thinking

Get yourself out of the dumpers by getting up and moving.  By stepping out and connecting with others or by stepping out and serving others.

Ideas:

  • Organize your household files, business files and your receipts. You will be happy that you did this because tax time is right around the corner.
  • If friends ask you to join them—give it a try. However, take your own car in case you are ready to go home before they are.
  • Go to a movie. Invite a friend to join you.
  • Find places around town to volunteer. For example, the local soup kitchen.  Invite a friend to go with you.
  • Clean your house and throw your own party and invite people that you like.
  • Get a relaxation massage. Touch is healing.
  • Attend a play at your local high school or theater. Invite a friend.
  • Go to Barnes & Noble, buy yourself a snack, find a chair and read a book.
  • If you are married and grieving the death of one or more children, it’s important to make the choice to stay connected with your spouse.  Pray together.  Start dating again. Talk, cry.  Turn to each other—not away from each other.  Decide to walk down the path of healing together.  Don’t allow grief to move you in two different, disconnected directions.

Time To Get Your Copy of The Book: Grieving Forward: Death Happened, Now What? A Practical Guide for Healing & Understanding The Grief Process.