Loneliness, social isolation and a Who’s compassion

Feb 9, 2019 | Blog

We have a Christmas tree.

The Olsen family had our first Christmas tree when I was in my late-teens (long story for another post one day). Our little family has had one since the beginning.

Our decorations have not changed much. But, there is one exception, each year we add a Dr. Seuss ornament. Other than one singing Cindy-Lou Who, they are mostly variations of the Grinch.

With a light dusting of snow blanketing our house and yard, family movie night featured the latest Grinch instalment. It is a masterful update to the classic.

It explores greed, over-consumption and indulgence, while shining a bright light on the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.

“You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch.” A mean one, with a powerfully destructive script running in your background narrative. Sadness and abandonment.

Of course this is no excuse to steal, even from gluttons.

Despite their excess and exuberance, the Who’s do not miss a beat and teach an important lesson.

At the very moment they have been so deeply wronged they make a choice. They choose to face the Grinch’s unbelievable violation with a beautiful song. They chose forgiveness.

There are many moments each day that we have a similar choice. We can either be overtaken with negativity and all the corresponding emotions or we can chose to be positive.

Knowing there is a background script running for each and every one of us, compassion is a good response.


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