The Ugly Truth

Xmas isn’t always the season to be merry….

It’s the time of the year when people are going crazy, rushing around trying to buy ‘perfect’ gifts and consumerism is at it’s peak.

Online shopping and delivery vans showing up within 24hrs of placing orders, the last minute purchases it’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of it all.

Whilst the allure of present buying and receiving is something we can all get lost in I wanted to stop and pause for a moment to consider the most valuable gift each of us has to give.

The Gift of Time.

It’s truly the most generous gift we can give each other.

Yet, when we are in the frenzy of busy, do we stop and notice those that may need our time? Those that just need us to notice and listen.

Xmas for many can be one of the loneliest times of the year, a harsh reminder of what may be missing.

The romance of this beautiful time being depicted in wonderful festive movies, the happy family get togethers, the laughter and the joy, the sense of belonging that is painted for us all to desire.

This post is titled the ugly truth to serve as a reminder that what really matters over this festive period is how generous we are with our most precious asset.

It’s ugly because we often don’t want to think about those that may be needing help.

It’s easy to be ignorant than have to face the responsibility each of us have in ensuring those around us - whether it be family, friends, neighbours or others that we don’t know - are safe and well.

This past year I’ve heard too many cases of suicides in the news and one close to home in my own family.

So whilst this post isn’t intended to shame us to act, it is intended to point out that we each have a duty of care to each other.

This Christmas as you enjoy the festivities of this wonderful period, please stop and pause to notice who might need your most precious gift.

Give the gift of time to someone today, and, whilst you may never know, you may just save a life.