Man!

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It's easy to get depressed in the winter.  With the cold, bitter wind, and the shorter amount of sunlight each day, it's easy to see why, for some, the winter/holiday season is so difficult.  Add to that the fact that so many of us seem to go through difficulties in our personal lives at this time of year…ending relationships, losing loved ones, familial disputes, financial woes…the combination of which is nothing short of a recipe for disaster.

It seems to be way too easy to focus on the negative aspects of our lives during the winter months than at any other time.  We see everyone on TV or in the commercials seemingly so happy, doing the family & friends thing…celebrating the holidays, buying and giving gifts. They're all smiles and well-wishing, and the commercials show the happy couples giving and receiving diamond and gold jewelry, a new Lexus, cool stuff from Best Buy, and suddenly there's all this pressure!  Ohmygod…I haven't even started Christmas shopping yet!!  And what in the hell am I even supposed to get them, let alone find the money to get it?!?!  I don't feel like fighting all the last minute shoppers…AARRGH!

And now it's too cold to go outside longer than it takes to run to our cars, start the engines, scrape the ice off of our windshields and dash back indoors.  That's if we aren't running late-as usual…then it's into the cold vehicle, shivering until we reach our destination because most of us live close enough to wherever we're going that by the time the heat kicks in-we're already there. And let's not forget those of you who walk…Brrrrrr! *Shiver*

Anyway, it's really easy to get depressed this time of year, so I wanted to send this out to let you know that first of all…you're not alone.  Most of us fall under at least one of the above categories, most likely several of them.  We all have someone we wish were here with us to help ease us through the tough times-(and maybe some we wish weren't…lol) or perhaps still here to share the happy times.  Money is tight for almost all of us.  We're all freezing! Gas/Oil prices are out of control!! No one knows what to get everybody, let alone afford what we would like to give, and to everyone we'd like to give something to. 

Let's not forget what's been dubbed "Seasonal Affective Disorder…a.k.a. SAD (appropriate, wouldn't you agree) a chemical imbalance in the brain believed to be linked, among other things, to a lack of sunlight…  It seems the cards are stacked against us this time of year.  http://www.nosad.org/

So even though you feel depressed, distressed, or just plain miserable…have no fear! ALMOST ALL OF US FEEL JUST LIKE YOU DO!!  No worries! You're not alone!

Spring isn't that far off.  Till then…Go rent National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and laugh your ass off…for those of us who barely even know what an oven is…go buy some pre-made Cookie Dough at your local SUPER STORE *aarg* (The smell of cookies baking in your house does wonders to lighten your spirits…dunno why…just does)

And maybe call up someone you haven't spoken to in a long time. I know, I know, who in the hell's in the mood/has the time to pick up the phone and make small talk? (Besides, we've almost used up all of our minutes and our cell phone bills are way out of control from all that drunken texting last weekend...) You know what though?  They're probably feeling the same way you are, yet would actually love to hear from you-and…surprise… you'll BOTH probably feel pretty good by the time you hang up.

Crank up your favorite music in your IPOD and SING AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS (damn that feels good…try it even if your shy or don't think you have a good voice…you'd be amazed at how much of a release it is to sing as loud as you can! Trust me on that one!)

Do whatever makes you feel good.  These are just some suggestions that work for me.

All in all…the point is…you really aren't alone.  Stay positive…there are people out there that really DO love you, no matter what you may think or how far you believe your relationship may have deteriorated…and that other people are sharing your grief at the loss of a loved one and would love to share the stories of the good times and memories you had together. You aren't alone.

Hang in there. Do the best you can! Remember no-one is perfect…not even close.

Look forward to the things that make you happy, and put away the things that don't.

I'm no shrink…but I am human…and I have my share of difficulties, and hopefully by posting this, I'll be able to help those of us having a tough time of it during this---(now sing with me…)  The Most.. Wonderful Time…of the Year!  *groan* lol

Jason H.