Hope for the Holidays

This time of year can be daunting. Fears about the future seem to be the strongest for many people during this time of year. Scientists point to the lack of sunlight as to a physiological source for depression and anxiety, and psychologists point to unhappy memories of holidays past for the same. Materialism and greed often underline our confusion and anxiety as we forget what the true meaning of year end.

In all ancient cultures this time of year was associated with metaphorical death. The sun mythically died and was reborn. As we fear death, we fear the year's end. Even more subtly, we are afraid that we won't get what we want or we fear that we will lose what we have. We feel inadequate, unloved and alone. As we distance ourselves from our ancient cultural roots we forget what is really going on with the world.

First of all, from a higher perspective the only thing that is happening is the cosmic dance between the earth and the sun where the earth is doing a pirorette on its axis. It is a movement that is as natural and dynamic as life itself. We will not die and the sun will return. Nothing cataclysmic will happen, even though our subconscious beliefs may cause us to think that the worst will happen.

Many people form negative beliefs about this time of year based upon failed expectations, too much revelry, misbehavior and feelings of inadequacy. We are bombarded every year with advertisements and marketing that imply that we need to spend spend spend and receive receive receive. It is all an illusion created by advertisers and retailers. Many people make decisions about self worth and value based upon how much they get. If they don't get much, then depression and self-criticism is their reward.

If we remember that this time of year is not about materialism but about reflection and rebirth, we can have positive feelings about the future. If we are not getting what we want, we can resolve to change what needs to be changed in order to become happy. The most important facet of that process is hope. We have to let go of the illusion that something or someone will make us happy, we have total control over our own happiness.

When we resolve to be happy no matter what, we can create hope that our future is bright. We have to be disciplined enough to choose not to fear but to love. This is not for sissies. It requires effort and practice, practice, practice. Fear of the future stems from a need to control. The only thing we need to control is our thoughts. If we have thoughts of impending doom, then we have to focus on something else. It really is that simple. When we control our thinking, then we control our world. Ultimately we create our reality, and we can change our reality if we change what we think about. Magic wands are in our minds, not our hands.

So as we prepare for the holidays, remember that feelings of depression or anxiety are not wrong, they are only signals that we need to change our thoughts. We can either focus on the worst case scenario or hope that everything will be for our highest good. Rather than make new year's resolutions, let go of a negative thought pattern. Commit to think only positive thoughts and be happy for the new year. Get a calendar and put a check on everyday you were successful in being happy. This will give you some evidence of how your year is going. If you have more checks than blanks, then you will start having hope for the holidays.