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Tuesday, 05 December 2006 17:13 |
| | Janese Johnson |
It is often assumed that holidays are filled with great cheer and heartfelt joy for everyone.
However, for some, the holidays can be a time of great stress and loneliness. Even for those who have family and friends, many find that the holidays feel more stressful due to the expectations that are placed upon them ÇƒÓ in addition to the expectations they set for themselves.
It seems that Hanukkah and Christmas are both about celebrating the precious and miraculous nature of life. When we give from our hearts to the most marginalized members of society ÇƒÓ the elderly and the homeless ÇƒÓ we are truly celebrating the miracle of life. Our hearts have a greater wealth and generosity than our bank accounts. It is a true gift.
Whether
you are feeling blessed in your life or feeling a little lonely during
the holidays, reaching out and giving is the most rewarding act for the
giver and the receiver. Please consider this holiday season as a time
to reach out to someone that you normally wouldnët reach out to. There
are so many who could use a smile or a laugh ÇƒÓ a tenderness that will
help them through hard times.
Here are a few ideas on individuals and groups of people who could use some loving up this holiday season:
ï Elderly people
who are living in assisted living or retirement homes who cannot see or
do not have any family. A card or visit during the holiday season would
be a great sign of compassion. Below is a list of volunteer coordinator
conacts at retirement and assisted living homes that are welcoming
visitors during the holiday season:
Loretta Faircloth at the Aston Nursing Home may be contacted at 253-4437.
Sally Smith, the
program director over at The Givens Estate off of Sweeten Creek Road,
mentioned three different programs which need volunteers. A brief
interview is required to volunteer ÇƒÓ due to the safety of their
clients. Sally reported that there are some clients who do not have any
family and would be thrilled to have visitors during the holidays.
Betsy Finger, program director for the Independent Living Program, may be contacted at 771-2218.
Carlyn Rich, with Assisted Living, may be contacted at 771-2225.
ï Foster
children are another group of people who are often neglected during the
holidays. There is a foster parent association that offers gifts to
these children . Many cannot see their family due to safety reasons and
would welcome gifts. The number there is 250-5868. A village program at
the foster home allows volunteers to connect with children.
ï Homeless and
people living in poverty suffer a great deal during the holidays. There
are many church programs that welcome gifts and items for those who
cannot afford to meet even basic needs. Homeless shelters in the area
welcome gifts as well.
I spoke with a
woman recently while calling some of these numbers, and she shared her
story with me that I wanted to share with you. She told me that the
year her mother died, she experienced from severe lonliness. She called
the adult service group and was provided with the wish list of a woman
the same age as her mother. She purchased a few items for her and felt
her heart fill with gratitude and warmth.
Whether we give
because we feel so full of compassion that itës bursting out of us or
because we are so lonely that we want to reach out, the result is the
same ÇƒÓ a differrence is made in a someoneës life that might have been
overlooked.
So letës
celebrate the true meaning of the holidays by giving the great gift of
kindness ÇƒÓ a gift that is priceless and and only requires the time and
compassion of the giver. Have a fabulous holiday season!
ï
Janese Johnson
has been doing intuitive counseling nationally for more than 20 years.
She may be contacted at janesej-at-buncombe.main.nc.us.
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