shOUT!

Christmas is fast approaching and the turkeys are becoming suspicious.

So..what does Christmas mean to you?  This time of year conjures various emotions and memories in each of us – I know it certainly does for me. I just wanted to share a few thoughts of mine on this festive season.

Christmas is about celebration and being at home (where-ever and whatever home means to you).  However there is also an undercurrent of sadness around this time of year. Sometimes it can be a lonely reminder of the special people who do not have a physical presence in my life anymore but who remain with me in other ways.  It can remind me of lost innocence, it can remind me that life is short, too fleeting and that petty fighting is pointless. It can throw light on the issue of poverty – the gap between the rich and the poor, it can remind me never to eat my body weight in sweets ever again! Ultimately, for me,  it’s the time of year when I really take stock of what I have in my life that I am thankful for.  This is the first Christmas that I have been in involved in ShOUT! I am truly thankful for that.

ShOUT! has helped me reach a greater peace with my sexuality and I couldn’t think of a better present to give.  Each unique person that I have come across through ShOUT! has been a pleasure to meet and I have learned a lot from every one of you in many ways . It means a lot to me to be part of this group. I feel lucky and very thankful. I look forward to what the new year will bring for ShOUT!

Around Christmas there are lots of messages of peace to be seen. Peace is beautiful.  You can’t see peace or touch peace but you can see and feel the effects of it. When you reach an inner peace you can tackle anything. You are strengthened by this force and it gently shows you that you never have to feel ashamed of who you are and never, ever feel ashamed of who you love. Love is greater than anything. I truly believe this.  If you love a man or a woman or a cat it doesn’t matter. Do not feel embarrassed for loving anyone. Your feelings are your own. They are yours and no-one has the right to judge or dismiss them.

So now that I most definitely sound like a peace- loving and love-loving hippy, I will wrap this up (get it? wrap up like the way we wrap presents!) That’s how I roll man.

I wish you all a lovely Christmas and I hope to see you all at the ShOUT! Christmas party on Sat Dec19th! Being part of ShOUT! has made me a stronger person and it has been a true gift this year providing light, insight and introducing new friends into my life.  I feel part of something that is truly worthwhile. I am thankful for the gift of the experiences I’ve had with you all in 2009. Nollaig shona duit, eat lots and enjoy being jolly.

Your friend niamh