Christmas Can be lonely

Warning REAL TALK.

Like so many others.. Over many years I have hated December & the holiday season.

Watching people around me surrounded by friends & family.. Eating lots of food & receiving special gifts & love.

The reality for me so many others when I was young, was the Salvation Army provided gifts for my family.

Then when I left home at 14 years old I hated being asked to Christmas by my friends families, it felt horrid, I hated feeling like an imposter.

I used to tell the people around me that I didn’t believe in Christmas to get out of their invitations.

The truth was I was ashamed & tried to block it out.

In my later teens I would drink heavily on Christmas Eve & barely wake up on Christmas Day. I spent many Christmas days laying in my own vomit.

When I was a bodybuilder.. I would train in the gym on Christmas Day & invite people to join me. Same with Jiu Jitsu training.

Why am I writing this? Simple..

First reason, for those of you that know someone who is struggling at this time of year. Reach out to them & don’t take no for an answer. Open your home & heart to someone you know needs it.

Second reason, for those of you that are struggling.. That would rather drink yourself into a coma on Christmas Eve & avoid the pain of being alone Christmas Day ..

Don’t do it to yourself.. Say ‘yes’ to the first person that invites you into there home.

I will openly & honestly say this.

There is only one day of the year when I have ever felt suicidal & that has only ever been Christmas Day.

These days, for me.. I somehow have a beautiful family. My daughter will also be with me for the first time in a long time on Christmas Day. So you could imagine how I feel🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

I am finally very very very happy & thankful to be alive🥰

#ReachOut #SayYes Everyone needs someone🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏼‍♀️

If you are struggling ☎️LIFELINE 131114