Dear Jido,
I know I’m supposed to be grateful for everything I have, and I am – mostly. But I can’t pretend I’m not bitter about how this year’s winter break is going to end up.
While my friends are already preparing for ten-day trips to Israel, the Caribbean, and fun cruises, I’ll be at home…again. No sun. No adventure. Just the same couch, the same weather, and the same group chats full of “wish you were here!” photos that feel more like salt in the wound than anything else.
It’s not that I don’t understand the situation – my family just can’t swing a vacation this year. I get it. But it still stings. I’m tired of pretending it doesn’t bother me. I feel left out, annoyed, and, frankly, a little ashamed for feeling this resentful in the first place.
Is there a way to deal with these feelings that isn’t just “be grateful” and “make your own fun”? Because right now, I’m not in the mood for fake positivity.
Sincerely,
Not-So-Content in the Cold
Dear Out in the Cold,
You’re right, this is not the time to hear a lesson about appreciating all you have like a home, a car, health, family, community, and maybe even money in the bank.
It’s also not necessary to be told about how being jealous of your neighbor is not good and self-defeating.
You’re asking my opinion about how to deal with both of those feelings? My answer – make going on a cruise look like child’s play.
Call up Shomrim and tell them you want to join their investigation team. Maybe you’ll be the guy who finds the wrongdoer on Avenue K who threw the lady to the ground and stole her bag.
Volunteer for Hatzalah. You don’t have to learn CPR. Serve on the emergency rescue squad that’s called up after a major accident or fire. Maybe you’ll save the life of someone you actually know.
Tell the Mitzvah Man you want to volunteer for double overtime. With everyone else away, he can keep you busy working miracles.
All you need is just one such incident and you’ll wish that inter session never ends. It’s a vacation memory that will stay with you forever. Do something meaningful!
That’s what I would do. But Sito and I have to babysit for our grandchildren while our son and daughter-in-law go to Aruba.
Jido