THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Image Source: David Beale (Unsplash)
This week, millions worldwide will gather to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the start of Kwanzaa. These holidays will be honored religiously, commercially, or both. For many, this is a time for travel, rest, and relaxation. While many take pause, some will dutifully stand tall so the world can keep moving forward. Let us give thanks to the following who will be unable to celebrate traditionally due to the responsibilities of their chosen profession/occupation:
· First responders - firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and law enforcement.
· Healthcare workers - doctors, nurses, hospital/nursing home employees.
· Members of the Armed Forces.
· Hospitality - restaurant, hotel, and cruise ship employees.
· All others who provide comfort, care, and security (as this list is not all-inclusive). Please give a shoutout (in the comments section) to those not mentioned in this post.
Image Source: Google images
On another note, the holidays can be lonely for many with mental health issues. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please call or text 988 (The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - veterans press #1) to speak with a mental health professional (call 911 if an individual is a high risk for self-harm). The Crisis Lifeline supports people who are in suicidal crisis and mental health-related distress.
Lastly, a common theme of the holiday season is to strive for peace and harmony. I leave you with the following song that tells the true story of the soldiers of World War I who called a temporary truce (in a remote field in a Belgium forest) to sing carols. You can learn more about this story on page 20 in the Winter 2022 edition of AT EASE! Veterans Magazine. May this be an inspiration to us all. Until next time -
Namaste (and happy holidays),
Tim
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