Out of the Comfort Zone

Dear 2017, I feel like I owe you an apology. You see, I've been secretly cursing you under my breath for months, blaming you for hard times I've had and times when I've felt not quite enough. In reality, those things were never your fault. Nobody is to blame, if I want to be perfectly honest, because stuff just happens and much of it is out of our control. So, instead, I'd like to thank you, 2017, for all the hard lessons that I've learned from you. I may not have seen it coming, and some of those lessons hit hard, but it is hard to deny that I've grown in the process. It's easy to be grateful for all of the wonderful things we have, but it has been an uphill climb to be appreciative for the times that I didn't choose to experience. Thank you, 2017, for teaching me that sometimes my strengths need to be challenged in order for me to remember that I don't have to be perfect. Thank you for reminding me that there will always be circumstances that...

I read recently that someone who is going through depression can often feel lonely, and that one of the best things that we can do to help them is to let them know that we are close by. December is here. It's the start of the most festive of seasons, and the most lonely and sorrowful times of the year. December is bittersweet in our home. December is a very vivid reminder that we are no longer graced by the presence of our very first little girl. December is when we lost a dear, dear friend. December, in essence, sucks. And yet... December is when the Elf on the Shelf makes his appearance (much to my chagrin - that Elf is high maintenance!), and the look of sheer joy on our kids' faces when he shows up is priceless. The tree and its decorations go up, the menorah is dusted off and the neighbourhood is filled with lights. Everything points to peace and happiness. And yet... The fact remains, this time of the year is hard, not just for my family, but for so many. As much as...