By: Richard L. Smith
The following is a message from NAACP President Deborah Smith-Gregory:
"The holidays are upon us and it is a time of hustle and bustle. We are shopping, gathering for parties, traveling, decorating our homes and so much more.
It is a hectic time, a happy time. And it can be a sad time, a depressing time as we remember past holidays with deceased loved ones or feel the strain of separation from loved ones either by your choice or theirs.
With the mental and emotional stress that comes with this time of year, we are to remember to be mindful and take care of ourselves
A few safety tips for this season: Since it is pitch black at 5pm, be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure to lock your car doors after you have taken all your packages in the house.
Do not sit in your car and have lengthy conversations on your phone. Make sure there are lights on in your house earlier to accommodate the early darkness.
A few mental health tips for this season: Give yourself grace. When you remember a deceased love one, give yourself permission to pause, cry, reflect. Don't dismiss your feelings.
There will be days of quiet. There will be days of aloneness and yes maybe loneliness too. Don't forget to also embrace the happy memories and times.
Reach out to people who come into your mind, volunteer at a food pantry, donate to a coat drive or make a donation to a cause you feel speaks to you..
Be grateful. Wealth is not just money. Positive relationships with yourself and others, peace within and cooperative health are just a few intangible riches available to us all.
From the Newark Branch Leaders' Families to You and Your Families...”
Happy Holidays!
