December 12th, 2016

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The President of the United States of America  determines the monthly and weekly observances. In so doing, December has been designated as S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) awareness month.  I am sure this designation is prompted by the "sad" reality of how extra prevalent feelings of isolation, abandonment and loneliness are during the holiday season.  Many people wrestle with this challenge.  Seniors are the group where this state of being is the most common.  Most feel on the fringes of family activities, since their spending power has diminished significantly now that they are retired.  Many have no family at all, or their peer group has slowly decreased through the natural cycle of life.  Feelings of depression are common. Stronger Life, Inc. is not just about recognizing problems, but offering options for solutions. If you are a person who is feeling down or depressed, surround yourself with things you find inspiring.  Listen to music that brings back positive memories.  Look through pictures in magazines that make you smile. Watch your favorite movie.  I personally have something that I call my  Parachute Kit. 

My Parachute Kit consists of: 

1. Images of what I am most thankful for (baby pictures of my children).

2. Why I must overcome adversity (My children and I have pictures of 33 countries I will visit before this life is over).

3. Image or handwritten documentation of a specific VICTORY.  Something from my past that I thought signaled the end of the world, yet I overcame it and grew, and prospered because of it.

4. I have a bag of popcorn, a coupon for a dozen  Krispy Kreme donuts, a copy of Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Sleepless in  Seattle,  It's a Wonderful Life,  and  The Wizard of Oz.
5. I  have Pastor T.D. Jakes  links on YouTube in my computer folder.
6. I have 7 tiny baskets with candles and lavender potpourri to place around me.
7. I have the phone numbers of the top three human beings that my soul knows truly love me.
That is my depression parachute. It helps me to land safely, 100% of the time.

Another  wonderful thing that you can do to take your mind off of yourself  is to reach out and find someone  who needs YOU  to encourage them. This holiday season, as  well as every day of the year, we are asking you to GIVE A GIFT to be re-gifted! Reach out to family members or anyone in your community.  Make them feel valued.  Make them know they are important.  How?  Make a commitment to yourself  to take 15 minutes out of every week to call them on the phone,  Skype on the computer, or go and sit in front of them and ASK THEM A QUESTION!  EVERYONE loves it when someone asks them their opinion.  Not many things will lift a person's self esteem like being asked their personal opinion.  Many seniors simply need to feel valued.  That is the greatest gift anyone can receive. 

SOOOO...Give a gift we hope is returned, as well as re-gifted again and again, all year long! 
Give the gift of COMPASSION!

God bless you and yours,
Tony Lorrich
Director of  Stronger Life,Inc.