What I Learned From The Grinch

My first editorial has been published in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper which can be found in some local restaurants and stores as well as on their website http://www.gulfcoastfamily.org/

Here is a copy of my first article What I Learned From The Grinch, I hope you enjoy!

This is the time of year to think about all the excitement and togetherness that the holidays can bring. However, the holidays can also bring a sense of loneliness for some.  

One of my favorite holiday movies/books is How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  There are so many different meanings in the story line.  The themes I would like to highlight are togetherness, accepting differences and community.  

During the holiday’s it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of loneliness or have a longing to be a part of a family or community.   The Grinch wanted to be a part of a community that accepted him for him.  We all are different in some way or another; we all want to have someone or something to connect with. The holidays remind us that we do have a connection to something, be it community, family or whatever your belief system.  

Cindy Lou Who reminds us that it’s important to accept other people that are different, and to appreciate their differences and to invite them to be a part of our community.    One thing to remember is that we are never alone.  Reach out to someone to talk to, go out and volunteer, close your eyes and remember someone in your life that brought you a smile. Cindy Lou and the Grinch did just that, she reached out her hand and he finally accepted, and in turn so did their community.   

Sometimes we get so caught up in thinking about everything else we forget what the holidays really mean to us. The Grinch’s lesson to me is that focusing on family and community is more important than presents or lights on the tree.  Focusing on family and community helps us to appreciate what we have instead of what we don’t have.  In the end it didn’t matter what was for dinner, who was wearing what, how many lights were on the house or what presents were bought.  What mattered was being together, having someone’s hand to hold even if you didn’t know the person.

This holiday season find ways to connect to your own community and your family.  Appreciate what you have, and appreciate some “differences” in your life.  Give a gift to toys for tots, donate food to a food shelter, or take ten minutes to speak with an elderly neighbor who no longer has a spouse.  Who knows, maybe you’ll feel your heart grow three sizes that day.