You’ve got to be kidding… choose JOY at this crazy time of year? If I didn’t think it would depress more than a few of us, I’d quote the number of shopping days left until Christmas! Okay I won’t. But I don’t have to tell anyone just how harried the next two months will be for most of us. Holiday stress statistics reported by the American Psychological Association show that up to 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time”, 69% are stressed by perceiving a “lack of money”, and 51% feel stressed out over the “pressure to give or get gifts.”
But I don’t want to bore you with yet another list of holiday stress tips. Instead, I’d like to share some “Joy Tips” from my book, Joy on Purpose: Fifty Ways to Find Joy.
In this issue, we’re going to talk about how to choose joy by allowing ourselves to find the support we need when life is difficult. Imagine dealing with all the normal holiday stress on top of some of life’s other major trials ~ a sick child, a depressed spouse, an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s, a wayward teen, a difficult marriage, the loss of a loved one. The challenges many of us face every day make this time of year exponentially more difficult. That’s why it’s so important to allow ourselves the luxury of finding a support system to help us cope with the trials we face, especially at this time of year.
My prayer for each of you, as we move into this blessed season, is that you would give yourself the gift of sharing your burdens. It truly will help you to Choose Joy!
Joy Principle Number Two
Share Life’s Burdens
Remember ~ you’re not the only one.
Did you know that millions of people experience the same kinds of life challenges as you? We never experience struggles alone. God walks right by our sides through all of our trials. (Isaiah 43:2) But if that were not enough, He also uses others with similar life burdens to provide the support that is so necessary when we go through our toughest times. Seek and find those who share your struggles. Hold each other up. Don’t believe the lie that you’re the only one!
Look for online support.
In this day of the Internet and social media, you can find help and support on the web for just about anything you’re going through. Search the Internet for support groups, forums or blogs dedicated to the issues you and your family face. There are many online communities where people “talk” and help each other through life’s most difficult times. Communicate with others who are in life circumstances similar to yours.
Seek out local support groups.
Churches and other local organizations often have support groups dedicated to the issues you and your family experience. Professional Life Coaches or counselors may also sponsor groups that meet locally or on the phone to share positive ideas and strategies that can help you find joy in the midst of trying life circumstances.
Don’t be a “Lone Ranger” ~ Make time for friends!
Anybody remember the Lone Ranger? I know, I’m showing my age again! The Lone Ranger was the superhero of his time ~ one of the good guys. He was a cowboy with a white hat who defeated the bad guys all by himself. Well… almost. Even the Lone Ranger had a sidekick, Tonto, who helped him win his battles. God doesn’t want us to be Lone Rangers. He wants us to have many sidekicks to help us through the trials of this life. You need to surround yourself with people who care about you, who can help you relax, have fun, and forget about your tough circumstances for a while. Nurture those precious friendships God has given you.
Find a prayer partner.
Praying with another person can encourage and lift you both up. Whether it is a friend who faces the same life challenges as you, or someone who has never walked in your shoes; find a prayer partner. It may be a neighbor, a friend, or perhaps someone in your church. Ask for prayer. Schedule time to pray together in person or on the phone. But remember, be cautious as you share your burdens so that you don’t break a trust or confidence, or end up in a complaint-fest. We must honor both God and our loved ones in all our efforts to support and help each other. Remember, there is power in prayer!
I hope these few “Joy Tips” were helpful to you. And speaking of sharing each others burdens, we’d love to hear from you. Share how YOU have found joy in the midst of your difficult life circumstances. You never know how many others you may help!
