The Grinches that stole Christmas

I feel like the grinches are out to steal our Christmas. Grinch number one: electioneering, accompanied by grinch number two: recession, have both conspired to transform this magical, Advent season into election advertising and mass meetings instead of our usual glitzy, glamorous inducements to consumerism; parties and treats. Let's encourage our politicians to never again steal our Christmas or, better yet, fix the election date.

Advent and Christmas time rituals are important respites and mental-health breaks from the sameness of the yearly routine. It was in that spirit that I had absolutely no hesitation last Wednesday in taking my usual trek to the University Chapel to enjoy the University Singers' stellar Christmas cantata. Seating as usual spilled over into the beautiful Chapel gardens with a few big screens installed for the eager audience.

The University Singers

Sitting in this sombre, historic building, my spirit was at perfect peace with the melody of the fine voices of the University Singers and their vivacious conductor, Franklin Halliburton. This priceless boost to my mental health, thanks to the annual concert sponsor, the Bank of Jamaica, cost me, and the rest of the audience, nothing but our time and participation. It made me think of gratitude and how much we can be thankful for, especially now. It's all about an attitude of gratitude and there are many studies in psychology that support the view that positive thinking, seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty, does in fact, impact well-being, mental health and other areas of health.

Positive thinking

Positive thinking starts with reframing self-talks; that stream of thinking running through your head every day, all day. Pay attention to those negative ones and change them. In your space, send complaining and negative thinking on leave, focus on gratitude and reach out to those in need. Remember the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi:

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;

and 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. Amen.

Eulalee Thompson is health editor and a professional counsellor. Email: eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com