Blessings to you this Christmas

Dear Friend,

This is the week of Christmas. Excitement and fun abound. It is my favourite time of the year. It is the time of the year when we regress to our childhood and reminisce on the fun times, on family, and on friends. We go back, psychologically, to a time when life was simple and less complex.

For me, it is the time of year that I slow down and make an even greater effort to enjoy life. I will take a casual stroll through the mall; I drive around to look at the home decorations; I try to attend a few carol services and, of course, I connect with family and friends.

Reach out

It is also the time of year when I make an extra effort to reach out to those in pain, to the sick and lonely, and to shut-ins. I know times are challenging for many of us. The recession did take a toll this year and many people have scaled down their Christmas preparations, but do find some time to celebrate and pamper yourself this holiday.

For some of you, our dear and cherished readers, I know it has been a tough year especially for those who have suffered losses, but take courage, 'for this too shall pass'. I know, too, some of you have been coping with health challenges. I extend to you my sincerest prayers this holiday.

Extend a hand

My dear friends, those among you who still hurt from broken relationships, I know for you these can be difficult times. Keep hope alive. Despite your personal challenges, find time to celebrate and share. Let us extend a hand of kindness to those in need.

Remember, 'cast thy bread upon the water and it shall find thee after many days'. I want to thank all of you, my friends, our readers, for being in our lives and to wish all of you, from the depths of my heart, a very Happy Christmas 2010. I share with you the prayer of St Francis of Assisi:

The prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dep't Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

Wendel Abel, I AM WHAT I THINK