I may be now over a month removed from Christmas and a month out from new years, but I’m still thinking about the recent holiday.
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Particularly, I stumbled across a video from 1988 where they talked about mental stress and alcohol consumption around Christmastime.
The video interviewed local experts who said it can be difficult if you’re depressed and you believe everyone else is happy. It brings you at odds with others and can make you believe no one understands where you’re coming from.
Talking about your feelings was another key tactic. Although it wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem, talking about it could help.
I’m sure you’re wondering, what are we talking about here. The old PSA of talk about your feelings is one that can never be repeated too often. Relating to others is important and the impact of being a good listener can go very far.
The reason I’m here writing these words is because writing out how you feel can be an effective way to get your feelings out, maybe even provide some minor relief.
I came into 2026 with two simple goals, work on my mental health and do better in the community, particularly by shedding more light on local non-profits.
I’ll start with the latter; I’ve met with so many amazing individuals who work so hard to better the community. Organizations who, through sheer determination, manage to make each day a little bit better. I’ve been on this side of the microphone for quite awhile, but I’ve never felt as fulfilled as I do with the work I’ve been doing. Looking forward, it isn’t going to stop, there’s plenty left to do for me.
Moving back to the first point above, I’ve wanted to work on my mental health. I’ll preface this by saying I haven’t been to a therapist, I probably should, I am also not on any medications, ditto.
This year so far has been tough, and the bad times keep coming. I’ve definitely found myself struggling maybe more than I expected to. Small things build up and sometimes I’m unsure what to do.
So, what have I been doing to combat these feelings of dread. For one, I’ve tried to slow down. If I feel something boiling up, I like to take a pause, take a breath, and reassess. I’ve also been trying to take it one day at a time. Tomorrow’s a new day and today’s problems will soon disappear.
I’ve been trying to put things into better perspective, too. When I’m frustrated or having a tough day, I try to reflect on the positives in my life. When you think of the things that make you happy and keep you moving it can help brighten your mood.
For me, the three things I think about every day are simple. My lovely wife, Hope, and my two cats, Jonah and Waltz. All three are unique in their own right. One of the highlights of my day is getting greeted at home by eager cats who just want attention. Even for my very frightened cat Waltz, he’s come into his own and really begun to appreciate pets and just being together.
I could ramble on forever, I think if you’re going to do anything this year, it’s just, be positive. I’ve also gotten myself off of social media and not only do I have more time, but I find people’s negative opinions aren’t affecting me at all.
Anyway, thanks for reading, I’m going to go listen to some happy music and try to forget what ails me.
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