Many Can Feel Down at the Holidays - It is Not Abnormal

    Dear Elders, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,

    Happy New Year! Today is the first day and now night of 2026. Are you down, maybe bummed? That is not too far fetched. It happens. Many of us in the northern hemisphere are in dark and cold times. That can reflect on our lives and feelings, our tender or fragile egos or characters.

    That is okay.

    You are okay. If you are physically ill, I am sorry. That happens. We hope and wish and pray that you recover soon! Herbal teas, warm comforters, blankets, comfy socks or gloves or other warm garments, perhaps nicer boots or ear muffs. I just heard about a nice young lady giving away her prized scarf to an older woman, to cheer her up and literally succor her.

    Read a warm story, or create your own. Write up a cheery letter for someone else. Think of someone who you have not thought of in a while, and send them a greetings. May not be much, but only something.

    Rest, sleep, or maybe you need do some pushups or the plank? Maybe you need to sweat? Maybe you have to re-read a special letter or note to you from a while ago? Or a special verse or story that makes the heart warmer?

    We do not have all the answers. I know that I do not.

    In Decembers past I have lost a few buddies that I have worked with. Soldiers who were smart, nice, capable. Rob and Nicholas. They were super nice to me, smart, and by most terms successful. But I guess the December blues or down times got to them.

    Can you do me a favor? Can you get through the cold months and live and love for another day, another week, another month, another year? Can you think of something that inspires you? Whatever it takes, whether it be just an extra nap, an extra snack, an extra something. 

    Pray. God will come through, with your patience and love. He has it all. 

    But we know that life is not always so clean and easy.

    Don't despair. 

    Keep going; things will get better. However, we understand that things can be hard.