What's a holiday without watching or reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas?!? This Christmas masterpiece was published by Dr. Seuss aka Theodor Geisel in 1957, that's 63 years ago! Same story has been made into a TV version, feature films and my favorite holiday tune, You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
I absolutely love How the Grinch Stole Christmas so much that I have a Grinch themed tree, sweaters, pajamas and even a scarf. For me the story of the Grinch describes a classic bully who needs just one person to believe in him. It's so simple...People need people, we all want to be loved and accepted.
Just to review, the Grinch does not just hate the Whos and Whoville but everything associated with the holiday spirit. He just can't stand the cheerful noise, the feasts, the twinkling lights and singing. So what does an angry, depressed person with no self-worth do? Hurt people because that's how the pain pattern continues.
Basically, the Grinch is a Debbie Downer, Party Pooper, a Buzz Kill and a Big Green Meanie. The dude would love the year 2020. But how the heck did Dr. Suess know that 63 years later we would be living in the Grinchiest of Times?!?!
Connecting ourselves to the Grinch's struggle might be easier than you think.
Let's break it down.
He's isolated and lives 3,000 miles away from the town in a dark cave. We are asked daily to isolate from others and to stay home. Get the Vid and if you are lucky then you stay away from all living beings for 10 to 14 days.
He's aggressive and arrogant. The Okay Karens know better than most about what we should or should not be doing. Maybe, we are questioning the experts, wondering who are the experts or maybe because we had covid we are now the experts.
He's cynical and does not trust other people. The struggle to trust whether people are wearing their masks, isolating when exposed, staying 6 ft away and washing their hands before they are in contact with others is on most people's minds.
He doesn't look like the other residents of Whoville. Taking care of our usual extras that keep our confidence in check like... hair treatments, facials, waxing, nails and beard trimming has been decreased. These extras help us fit in with our peers, no matter your age.
He struggles with a little extra weight around his mid section. Most of us are hanging out more in our sweats,watching movies and snacking out of boredom or depression. (Anyone interested in doing the research on 2020 being like the college 15?)
He doesn't have friends or supports other than his dog, Max. We are all struggling with not being able to see our friends, hanging out in common places, or just having fun celebrating special occasions...Even Mardi Gras is basically cancelled. BUT the worst change is not being able to be there for those people who are sick, elderly or terminally ill.
What are the life lessons learned from the Grinch's story?
Just because you are hurt does not make it okay to spoil other people's joy and fun.
Being mean to other people will scare people away. It will create more loneliness.
Opening your heart to other people who are less fortunate changes lives.
No matter what, we all have the opportunity to change our behavior so we can be happier humans.
The holidays does NOT have to be about presents.
Community plays a vital role and can make a huge difference in our mental health.
Everyone needs friends, especially those who are different than us.
Doing the right thing even when other people don't agree can create the biggest ripples.
It only take ONE PERSON to create a change in another human.
In the year of the Grinch...BE A CINDY LOU WHO. Let's grow our hearts and show kindness even in the Grinchiest of Times because
MAYBE CHRISTMAS DOESN'T COME FROM A STORE. MAYBE CHRISTMAS PERHAPS MEANS A LITTLE BIT MORE.
Need a counselor? Like what you read? Check out Galloway Counseling Services, LLC website at http://www.galloway-counseling.com or call 337-258-5199.