Coming off the back of a challenging year, it's sometimes difficult to find reasons to be grateful.

But when we look (eyes-wide-open) at the world around us, it's only too easy to see how lucky we truly are.

For me it's always been the simple things that matter. Yet sadly they're often the things we take for granted. But they are remarkable and deserve our appreciation.

So during the lead up to Christmas I acknowledge all the sparkling things I am truly grateful for in 2016:

• Good times with good friends
• Family
• Life in a peaceful country
• The BEST party I've been to in years (complete with fabulous friends, the BEST cocktail waiters in town, a Full-Monty show and numerous fully-clothed swims in a backyard pool)
• Honest and intellectual conversations, sans-gossip
• New-found & long-established friendships 
• New life, created and delivered by dear friends (and my ability to rock the precious angel to sleep)
• Loyalty
• Social invitations and outings
• The time to read
• Ongoing inspiration to write
• Amazing work opportunities
• Coffee from my much loved coffee machine (thanks Mum for the supply of Nespresso pods)
• Rude awakenings (and the strength I found to cope with the new reality they delivered - coffee helped with that too)
• Good health
• Rainforest walks
• Breakfasts at my favourite cafe
• Trees (my gosh they are AMAZING)
• Op Shops
• Heartfelt gifts from friends
• Support from those who genuinely care and accept me as I am
• Creativity
• Cloud formations in blue Brisbane skies
• Laughter
• The ability to stand tall among the critics
• Black Humour (it takes a special kind of person)
• Freedom of choice
• Daily showers 
• Fresh food to eat
• Thunder Storms
• Nature
• Wine, cheese and pasta
• Life lessons
• Beaches
• Television (I'm not even talking Foxtel etc - just plain ole telly)
• Kindness of strangers
• Empathy & compassion
• The tenacity to stand up for what I value and believe (despite other's opinions)
• Daily hen-laid eggs
• Our darling neighbours who let us splash in their pool
• Personal mail 
• A new green beach towel
• Swims in the ocean
• School holidays
• Solitude 
• + so much more

For all the shifting challenges I endured in 2016, my year sparkled with wondrous moments to cherish forever.

May you find yours and may you offer support to those who struggle to find theirs.

Christmas for many is a challenging time, for a variety of reasons, so it is with a heart full of love, that to those I say "you are loved" - "you matter". Keep fighting the fight. Keep creating your path to happiness. Keep things in perspective and write down all the things that make you truly grateful to be living this life.

To support those in need this Christmas there are many Charities to choose from, including these below:

• The Smith Family
• Salvation Army Christmas Appeal
• Givit
• Uniting Care Christmas Appeal
• Unicef

There are so many more, so do your research and choose a cause that resonates with you.

And for those who need a caring and supportive listening ear this Christmas, these life-saving and irreplaceable services are also available – and for them we are truly grateful:

• Lifeline Crisis Support
• Beyond Blue
• Kids Helpline

Merry Christmas one and all! May we find ways to love and support each other more and end the horrors of human and world destruction!

Let's face it - sometimes life deals us the difficult cards.

And sometimes, for some unknown reason the weeks roll on and the cards keep falling, along with our self esteem and serotonin levels.

It's at these times of relentless bad luck that we need love, support and empathy from those we love. Not a hard yakka talking to about not trying hard enough, or not getting "over it" quickly enough. What we need is a kind word, an empathetic ear, dare I say....a shoulder!

I've read some great articles recently about what to say and what NOT to say to someone who is distressed or depressed. They're well worth reading, because when things are going well for us it's often easy to forget that others around us may be going through a tough time.

The articles are a reminder to be aware and perceptive to the needs of others. And when required, show respect and empathy for the misfortune and or depression someone else may be experiencing. A little understanding can go a long way in easing the overwhelming anxiety and distress that may come as the result of a relationship breakdown, a death, a loss of income or an inability to find new work etc. And a culmination of these scenarios can easily tip the toughest of people over the edge if a little kindness isn't shone their way when they need it most.

So take the time to firstly read what NOT to say to those in distress:
http://depression.about.com/od/factsheets/tp/What-Not-To-Say-To-Someone-Who-Is-Depressed.htm

and then take the time to read the positives - there are some great resources available that discuss how we can comfort others experiencing distress or depression:
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/blogs/how-talk-someone-you-love-when-they-are-depressed

https://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/healthy-living/friend-depressed-190200474.html

And if you're still stuck for how to offer support, the art of silence is sometimes the best response - just being with someone and really listening can be incredibly healing. Here's a great quote from Rachel Naomi Remen's book, Kitchen Table Wisdom:

"I suspect that the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. And especially if it’s given from the heart. When people are talking, there’s no need to do anything but receive them. Just take them in. Listen to what they’re saying. Care about it. Most times caring about it is even more important than understanding it."

Acknowledgement, an empathetic ear and a kind word are often all it takes to lift the mood of another. What greater gift could you possibly give!!

Why not use the month of September to actively show awareness and kindness to your community...there's no greater time with September 10 being World Suicide Prevention Day. 
Get involved by joining a walk or organising a walk in your local community.

Valuable resources available to help when times are tough:
https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Self-Help-Tools/Self-Help-Tools
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/