Let It Go!

Family, friends, giving, love, togetherness.....

These are some important things about the holiday...and always. Some of us get so sidetracked and forget to take the time but deep down we know we need these things in our lives. Connections are so important!

Christmas dinner was really nice this year for me. Family came over and we were all together, which doesn't happen too often because some live further away than others. We really learn to appreciate these times where we can all exchange Secret Santa gifts, laugh, chat, enjoy each other's company, and then all go home at the end of the evening with some great memories and that happy warm feeling of being with our loved ones.

We started the night off with all the kids opening their gifts from the relatives. Of course they were excited! The adults chatted and had drinks while dinner was cooking. Every year, us adults do a Secret Santa, which is a lot of fun, exciting, and saves on money. It's always neat seeing who was who's Secret Santa each year and what they received/gave. Anyway, we were all having a great time for most of the evening.

But even while things are going smoothly, sometimes there can be little things said that hurt someone...well that someone was me that night when I felt a bit attacked and words were said that made me feel bad. Even if the person didn't mean it the way they said it....it was said...and it hurt. I got upset and swore..and was so shocked that this person said these things to me. Part of me didn't care because they were drinking...a lot. And I've noticed that when people consume a lot of alcohol, it tends to cause arguments, like they just want to pick a fight. So I could have really freaked out...but the swearing felt bad enough and, as you know, words are hard to take back. To let myself get that upset wasn't a great feeling.

The next morning I thought about it....and all night, which kept me up. I could either ignore this person forever...for saying something so dumb, or I could quickly fix it because our relationship is more important than stupid words. So I sent a message saying..."I'm sorry I swore at you last night, but what you said and how you said it was very hurtful. But, I still love you." I almost didn't send it...but pushed that button and it was delivered. Then I worried that they might not reply, but they did. The response was "I'm sorry too, I didn't mean for it to come out that way. I think I've been hanging out with ______ too long lol". Now the person she mentioned has no filter, so yes, I agree. LOL.

Anyway, words don't always come out the way we want, or are even heard the way they are intended. So by remembering that there will always be some sort of miscommunication, whether it be in person or especially through texts nowadays, we need to stop, step back, remain calm, and solve the issue, not let it get out of hand and go where it doesn't need to go. Too many people get offended by every little thing nowadays and I've seen way too many people stop talking to their family. But your families are usually the ones who would always be there for you...regardless of anything else....at least my family is. And life is way too short to have that negative feeling for anyone, especially family.

So if you have a family member you haven't talked to for a while...or got upset with recently...fix it. Life is way too short. Send out positive vibrations only. I promise you'll feel better...and they will, too.

And if you can't fix it, or are just feeling alone or out of touch...find someone. Reach out to someone you know, because we all need that bond to keep us sane and to have a sense of balance. Even long distance. Family and friends don't need to be nearby to have a connection. Just create a close space, even through phone calls, text, or any other source just to keep in contact, have a listening ear, someone who will listen, and just another heart who has space...we all have that extra space!

Love each other!