The week before Halloween was even over, the decorations were out and Christmas themed goodies were being sold in every store I stepped into--right along side the Halloween things. What did that mean? Quite simple, really, it is that time of year again.
I never did understand the retail industry and how it worked. My mother always told me I should close one door before opening another but no one told the industry. They start one holiday before the other has even happened.
What does Christmas mean to you? To me, it means a time where I can take a day or two and sleep because I over-work myself the rest of the year. It never really dawned on me the magnitude of the trouble I give my body during the rest of the year. Lately, I worked two jobs, thirteen hours each day, without a car. That may not seem like much to some folks but when you're doing it it seems like hell. Three hours of sleep per night (on a good night) and after a while, your friends begin thinking you've abandoned them. But the most stressful is the constant running to and fro, stressing over constantly missing buses, gridlock traffic and the worry over being late for the second job. To make matters worse, winter is coming and nature has given us a taste of her fury by dumping rain all over the city. It is tough juggling two jobs.
But Christmas is supposed to be a happy time--one filled with hope and perpetual good cheer. A time of good will toward our fellow man--it is a time where we should lend a hand to those who are less fortunate. Remember to look through your life and see who in it enrich you as a person and contribute positively to your well being. Those that seem to suck your energy and always try to pull you down, you may have to re-evaluate your relationship with them and those who refuse to change. Take heed that certain people are not meant to be your friends but do not cut the relationship harshly. Explain your situation, give them the chance to change. Do not believe that a person cannot change in this instant. If your friendship is worth it to them they will do what they can do save it.
As always, I wish you a safe holiday season and a very prosperous New Year.
Kadian Tracey
