The Struggle is Real
by L.D. Kirklin
As we come to the end of 2025, something I find difficult to fathom, I can’t help but ponder on how the year began. It was a cold, yet sunny day as I headed up the road to meet with a friend. I remember arriving, greeted first by the scent of woodsmoke as I stepped from the car, and then by my friend as she welcomed me into her home. The goal that day was to discuss the process of publishing books, a project I had on my bucket-to-do list.
As I listened to my friend impart her experience and wisdom, I never expected what came next…an invitation to write for her publication. I remember experiencing a gamut of emotions in an incredibly short turn. Everything from shock, excitement, curiosity and fear seemed to race through my mind. To this day, I’m not sure what she was thinking when she extended the invitation, I simply know that I left that day with a new, much needed and appreciated opportunity.
Fast forward eleven months, and here I am, ‘chronicling” my twelfth and final column of the year. While it’s been a wonderful experience, I’ll be honest, there were many months when I wasn’t sure I’d make it. In case you aren’t aware, I will tell you; writer’s block is a real occurrence and can thoroughly challenge one’s perspective. You know…to have your perspective challenged while you’re writing a column on perspective might just be an example of irony at its finest, but I digress.
The fact is we all face different things that challenge our respective perspectives. Some of those things will come around often like doubt and insecurity. Others will come around once a year like December. Yes, sadly, nothing can bruise and batter a person’s perspective, resolve, and resilience like the Holidays.
As it quickly approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Holiday season. While I know it is a joyous one for many, I also know it can be quite difficult for those who are struggling. Instead of a season of hope, it becomes a season of dread. Families are fighting and finances are fading, while memories of a happier past flood the mind. Because a lot of emotional pain is associated with this part of the year, perspectives have the potential to cloud up as people try to jingle bells and deck the halls.
So, is there a solution to the struggle? Should we outlaw celebrations? Should we prohibit decorations? Should we just go on and cancel December? Of course not…though I wouldn’t mind canceling some of the freezing weather that December often brings!
Frankly, there is no grand gesture we can make that will take away the seasonal blues; however, we can pay attention to the details and do the little things that make a big difference. We can look up from our busy lives and notice the people around us. We can stop and listen if talking helps, or we can hold a hand in silence to let someone know they are not alone. We can check in on people and tell them that they are important to us. We can use our words to let people know we are grateful that they are part of our lives. In short, we can be a friend.
Let’s face it, while it is a true blessing, life isn’t easy. It can hit us hard and leave lasting reminders of our difficult seasons. When I think back to the start of the year, I was in one of those difficult seasons, but because a friend paid attention and acted, I was able to come through that season with clarity and inspiration. Then as other friends heard about my endeavor, they too showed up and encouraged me as I wrote to encourage the readers. They proved that a small, genuine kindness from a true friend will leave a blessed and lasting impression.
So, as I place my lens cap on 2025, I want to give special thanks to my friend Tammy Cullers and all The Chimney Rock Chronicle team for their hard work and dedication to making a positive difference in our local communities and beyond.
I also give special thanks to my wonderful friends for their encouragement and their light-hearted humor about my procrastination.
To the readers and supporters of The Chimney Rock Chronicle, I thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you…
Every day with which God blesses us is another opportunity we have to be a blessing to others … never underestimate the power of perspective.
