Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot...?

That famous line from Auld Lang Syne popped into my head this morning, and it got me thinking...

The song cautions us not to forget people or leave them behind, to keep them in our thoughts, but it occurred to be today that there was no mention as to whether these were nice people, kind people, or people that are a positive influence in our lives.

The holidays can be a very difficult time for those who are unable to be with their families, but there is a small demographic who is often overlooked or worse demeaned and blamed for their solitude - those who have had to step away from family members.

Christmas and New Years is supposed to be a time when you get together with your family, enjoy yourself and remember how much you all love each other. But what if your family don't love you and act in cruel and abusive ways to you? What if you've been shunned for your sexuality, your choices or maybe your family were just bad people to start with?

I wanted to address this today, because those who have found it necessary for their wellbeing to step away from family or friends may find these words rather challenging if not triggering for those struggling with mental health issues and I wanted to just valudate any uncomfortable feelings you might have about it today.

Family and old friends can be some of the worst people in your life - they can be some of the most toxic and unkind people and yet we can feel some sort of misguided loyalty to them simply because we are relate by blood, or because we have known them since childhood.

I wanted to put it out there today that it is absolutely OK to forget and leave behind people from your past if they were no good for you! 

Auld Lang Syne is just a song, so I want to tell you to go ahead without guilt and take the decisions and choices you need to make for your wellbeing and happiness this year and beyond. 

And if that means forgetting old acquaintances, family members or so-called friends, then so be it!