It’s now officially serious-Halloween is over so the countdown to Christmas can begin in earnest. This is a time of year when I have hit lows many times and when I recall these experiences start to feel a prickle of sweat beneath my skin. What is going on? An analogy of approaching a large waterfall in a small boat is fitting. The sound of the rushing and crashing water is all around and it would make sense to head for the shore and take stock of the options. In my experience I generally insert ear plugs into my ears and carry on regardless of the outcome, it’s no wonder the resultant crash in my mood happens routinely.
I have learnt over the years something about the problems that Christmas presents for many people. What i am still to get to grips with is a plan of action that suits me. This blog is part of my attempt to do just that, I only hope I haven’t left it too late....deep breath.
I intend to spend time both talking and doing stuff to prepare myself for the Festive Season. When people begin to talk about their own preparations I will try my hardest to join in, there will be lots of useful strategies out there that are worth giving a try. With these conversations and consequent thoughts I intend to reflect on what my options are and try and make some plans of my own-lists are always good, maybe some more blog posts will follow.
I’m thinking the likeliest places to have these discussions will be out and about in the park walking the dog. I had one today with friends I have made in Newsham Park during the years leading the Pets and Pals walk there. Sometime ago i blogged about how I began to run the dog walks there and since times I have become ever more familiar with the scene happening in the park, the regulars at the Lakeside Kiosk and it does lift my spirits. Among these folk many are dealing with serious debilitating illness with great fortitude and humour. I’m smiling to myself now at the nick name given to two of the regulars who turn up on mobility scooters; C.H.I.P.S. - you have to be of a certain age to get that joke, to you young one you will have to click on the link.
The dreamer up of that particular joke is Steve who I have gotten to know quite well over the last few years, he has a nervous Nelly of a rescue dog called Tia who has become a regular on our walks and also shows up to help out at other events we have run. His own health is very fragile but along with his wife Julie are somewhat the ring leaders in much of the frivolity. They have organised a Christmas Party again this year for anyone like myself visiting the kiosk regularly. Today i decided I would jump to the Christmas beat with this crazy crew, £40 all in food, entertainment and with as much as you can drink at a nearby Hotel(I know for a fact Steve can’t drink which hints at the spirit of selflessness that he brings to all his activities he organises). This is a big step for me who usually swerves things with a Christmas flavour and came as a result of a lovely walk and talk in the park were the discussions included the conundrum that is Christmas, it helped me decide to try something different this year. When I heard myself half in jest say I might not know many people at the do, can you stand by and look after me Steve, he quipped ‘gerrah way, you’re dead confident you’ I smiled and thought about it, I can be can’t I....”Let it be so”
I have learnt over the years something about the problems that Christmas presents for many people. What i am still to get to grips with is a plan of action that suits me. This blog is part of my attempt to do just that, I only hope I haven’t left it too late....deep breath.
I intend to spend time both talking and doing stuff to prepare myself for the Festive Season. When people begin to talk about their own preparations I will try my hardest to join in, there will be lots of useful strategies out there that are worth giving a try. With these conversations and consequent thoughts I intend to reflect on what my options are and try and make some plans of my own-lists are always good, maybe some more blog posts will follow.
I’m thinking the likeliest places to have these discussions will be out and about in the park walking the dog. I had one today with friends I have made in Newsham Park during the years leading the Pets and Pals walk there. Sometime ago i blogged about how I began to run the dog walks there and since times I have become ever more familiar with the scene happening in the park, the regulars at the Lakeside Kiosk and it does lift my spirits. Among these folk many are dealing with serious debilitating illness with great fortitude and humour. I’m smiling to myself now at the nick name given to two of the regulars who turn up on mobility scooters; C.H.I.P.S. - you have to be of a certain age to get that joke, to you young one you will have to click on the link.
The dreamer up of that particular joke is Steve who I have gotten to know quite well over the last few years, he has a nervous Nelly of a rescue dog called Tia who has become a regular on our walks and also shows up to help out at other events we have run. His own health is very fragile but along with his wife Julie are somewhat the ring leaders in much of the frivolity. They have organised a Christmas Party again this year for anyone like myself visiting the kiosk regularly. Today i decided I would jump to the Christmas beat with this crazy crew, £40 all in food, entertainment and with as much as you can drink at a nearby Hotel(I know for a fact Steve can’t drink which hints at the spirit of selflessness that he brings to all his activities he organises). This is a big step for me who usually swerves things with a Christmas flavour and came as a result of a lovely walk and talk in the park were the discussions included the conundrum that is Christmas, it helped me decide to try something different this year. When I heard myself half in jest say I might not know many people at the do, can you stand by and look after me Steve, he quipped ‘gerrah way, you’re dead confident you’ I smiled and thought about it, I can be can’t I....”Let it be so”