Alone for the Holidays? Try Something New!

Do any of you out there have to alternate the holidays with your grown married children? You know, last year they went to the in-laws for Thanksgiving; and so, this year they go to them for Christmas to celebrate the holiday? Some of you have family to celebrate with in spite of that. There are some of us that don’t—like me. I am divorced and don’t have much family but I have made some wonderful friends since my move to Florida six years ago.

 I am a happy person and have a full life BUT it is during the holidays when I don’t have my family around me that I feel lonely. The only other time I am bothered is when a hurricane hits and have to evacuate the island that I live on. Then I feel vulnerable.

For many years, I would go to dear friends and share the holiday with them. I would feel so grateful to have friends that thought enough of me to include me in their intimate family gathering. Other times, I find a way to  engage myself in giving back by volunteering and doing some community service helping those in need. When I put myself out there to help others, there is no feeling like it at the end of the day. Through helping others and being of service, there is no feeling of loneliness—only feelings of a grateful heart for all that I have and all that I can give.

This year, I decided I didn’t want to spend Christmas with other families or volunteer right on Christmas day as I have done in the past. I am doing something out of my comfort zone. After all, I am a coach and always challenging women to do something out of their comfort zone so that they can move forward. It is my turn as haven’t done that in a while—although I am no stranger to it.

I am putting my toe in the travel pond for Christmas. I am going on a short cruise by myself and I am going to take a lesson in scuba diving on Christmas day. I’m going to shake it up a bit.  Even though this is a small feat, it could be the beginning of something greater. After all, I’m not getting any younger and I still have an adventurous spirit, so why not?

 I find that it is so easy to be complacent. We get in the routine and do what we have always done. We think for a fleeting moment, WHAT IF? Then we dismiss it.  THE TIME IS NOW. Are there any of you out there that can identify with me? What could you do to shake it up even if it is a small leap into the unknown? Alone for the Holidays? Try Something New!

I’m scared to try scuba diving but what the heck…