When I was about 11 years old, my mom took part in a charity effort where children from poor families were brought into the homes of financially successful people for either Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. My mother thought this was wrong. She thought it was just showing them what they couldn’t have. I, on the other hand, thought that it was a wonderful idea to give them something towards which to aspire. I mean, you can’t aspire to have better things if you haven’t been exposed to them. I guess my mother was a half empty glass person and I was half full glass person.

It was knowing what I wanted that helped me get back on my feet after leaving my ex with no money. In a moment of anger, after my ex said I would never get money out of the house, I yelled, “I will have a new place bought and paid for with or without the money from the house.” I worked 15-18 hour days, seven days a week for 10 years. After the first week of adjustment, I was very happy when my boss would wake me in the middle of the night to work on what would have been my day off. Before you can get anywhere, you need to have a picture of where you’re going. Many people are afraid to dream of better things because they think if you don’t achieve your dreams you are a failure, but I think you only fail when you don’t try. I was glad that I had seen what I could strive for.

So anyway, I was thinking that we could welcome less fortunate or older or lonely people into either our hearts or our homes this holiday season. People have always been so kind to me and adopted me so that despite having no family, I have never been alone during the holidays. I’m grateful for all my wonderful friends who have welcomed me into their homes and made me part of their families. Truly there is no better feeling than being surrounded by people whom you admire, whom you respect, and whom you just plain old love. The feeling that these people want the best for you is what makes one feel safe during times when one’s safety is in question. There is no doubt, no better feeling than to be surrounded by people who support you and care for you.

Maybe the best way to get that is to give it. So, I’m going to increase my efforts to treat everyone kindly and not let it be just a renewed Christmas tradition, but a year-round tradition. In these scary times when half of our southern neighbours who voted have decided to be unkind, we need to redouble our efforts to show kindness to those in need. The Golden Rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” isn’t a joke.

Manon is a resident of Boyle Street and an active volunteer in the community. This column contains her own opinions, and is not affiliated with the Boyle Street Community League.