There is something about this time of the year
that makes me sit down and reflect. I guess maybe it is because we are getting
close to closing the book on one and preparing to start another; or maybe it is
the Christmas and Holiday spirit that spreads its way throughout my veins. Whether
it is both or something else, my mind travels to the past days, weeks, months.
Having written and published a book on
growing up and living with a brain injury and trying to promote it (although
promote for me is a loose term) as well as selling at various book fairs, is
quite a bit different than writing a blog or magazine article, or even
delivering a presentation. It is a one on one, more intimate setting, where I
talk a little about my journey. Opening up and disclosing, whether to someone I
already know or a stranger, (though talking to someone I know personally can
sometimes be more difficult) still at times shortens my breath and quickens my
heartbeat. I tend to relax as I am asked questions and explain, but not always.
There are occasions I am overwhelmed, and whether it is innocence or arrogance,
I am sometimes stumped at the questions or thoughts of what brain injury is.
All I want is for brain injury to be
accepted and understood, not stigmatized or misconceived.
All I want is for me to be accepted and
understood. I think I am; I know I am; am I?
And this when the travels of thought go
beyond me and onto family, friends…. life.
Through my work in non-profit I hear so
many stories of compassion and giving. We should be a compassionate and giving,
as well as inclusive society, but are we?
I feel like I have given a lot of myself
over the year; yet I never feel like I have given enough.
We all need bigger hearts and bigger
pockets. There are so many who could use our support.
“And what
happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew
three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through,
and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!”
I don’t want to necessarily compare people
to the Grinch, and “Christmas” could easily be replaced with “Life”, but I
think Dr. Suess had something there.
I sometimes think this world uses too much
and loves too little. I feel it within. Society is in too much of a hurry, and the broken,
troubled, challenged and scared, get left behind, walked over… or even just ignored.
These patterns need to change and I don’t even know where or how to start? I
don’t even know if I should start or if I have the confidence to start; but I
can try... all I can do is try.
Is this silly of me? Is this a silly thing
to want bigger hearts and bigger pockets? Is it silly to be reflecting on life this way? On everything and everyone and not just on me? Is it unreasonable to ask for things,
people, to slow down and get along?
We should all be loved; we should all be
accepted. (Well, you know, unless you’re just a meany up to no good… but maybe
even then. Is that crazy talk?)
I want to erase loneliness; I don't want anyone to feel that there is nothing left and no reason.
My reflections come back to me in the
moment and I am dumbstruck of what to do. Maybe write another Cheque or stick
some cash into a Salvation Army kettle; lend verbal or emotional support; go
to a food bank and help stalk selves; deliver presents or food hampers. Hmm…
there is just so much that we can all get involved and work together.
~~~~
While I cannot be physically present with
so many, my heart goes out to them all. My words are for everyone, in this post
and in others; from social media and in person. My sincerest love, best wishes, empathy and
compassion go out to all family, friends, the less fortunate and in need; to those fighting with an illness and those caregivers affected by it.
Merry Christmas! Merry Life!
