The holiday season is upon us in Syracuse, a time of traditions, reuniting, and giving for many, a time we reflect on the past and prepare for the new.
As a city, we experienced changes. The shape of our city is changing with new roads, new types of housing, and new businesses preparing to serve the people. We have faced challenges like steep inflation, lingering pandemic effects, and ongoing drought. For some people and some changes, it can be exciting. It is expected that not everyone is excited about so many adjustments. Some changes certainly have been unwelcome. We face them because we have no other choice.
It would be fair to say that we all can find something around each that gives us pause. In addition to all the things we face together, there are certain challenges faced by each of us individually. Some face issues surrounding family, friends, and neighbors. Some face financial challenges. Some among us face health challenges, either mental, physical, or maybe both.
When I was working my way through graduate school, one of my assignments was to manage guest lectures to the University. I recall a lecture that addressed being in the public eye. The individual spoke and noted that it is easy for performers, entertainers, public role models like athletes, and other public figures to feel a physical drain at times, a depression that manifests as doubt, lack of confidence, or fatigue. Speaking to this crowd, the lecturer noted that when all eyes seem to be looking at you, it is easy to get down and feel like you don’t measure up.
The advice given was simple, and I have since been able to apply it universally. If you ever feel you don’t measure up find someone less fortunate in any way and give of yourself. Give of your time, your talent, your patience, and your compassion. It can mean everything to someone that you tried. Your level of talent, training, or expertise isn’t a factor for those who would go without were it not for you.
Statistics say that emergency rooms are busier on holidays. Suicide helplines get more calls at Christmas than any other day. For whatever reason during our season of giving, there are many around us who suffer, whether they show it or not. My message is to find a way to give of yourself this season. Giving oneself isn’t limited to those who have financial means, specific talents, or abilities.
Make your neighborhood better by being a better neighbor and not complaining online about the quality of your neighbors. Brighten someone’s day rather than telling the world how someone cast shade on you. If you ever feel in need, give to someone else in need. Nothing heals oneself faster than giving to another.
Mayor Dave Maughan