Over the last few months, I have struggled...a lot. The more I struggled, the more I beat myself up. The more I beat myself up, the more I separated myself from others. Once I get in shut down mode, everything goes to hell and I suffer alone. What keeps me from reaching out? Two things. Shame and it's horrible sidekick Pride.
While I was shutting down, I also sensed a general silence among some of my friends. Once contact was made, I found out that they had also been struggling. I am willing to bet that shame and pride were the culprits in their silence as well.
Here's the rub. I know in my heart that if I would have reached out, there would have been plenty of people to encourage me and kick me in the butt. Just like I would be there for my friends in their time of need. I know that I always feel like I don't want to bother people, that maybe I'm not important enough to interrupt someone's daily life to ask for help. I feel ashamed for struggling with the same things over and over and over again. I feel embarrassed because I am a trainer and am still overweight, my pride stops me from reaching out.
Here is my question to you out there struggling. What would you do if someone contacted you and needed some encouragement? You would encourage them! What if someone needed help? You would help them if you could! That makes you a good friend. And doesn't that stand to reason that someone would be willing to do the same for you?!?!
Let's take a leap of faith here and start reaching out. Let's seek help before we start sliding down that slippery slope that ultimately leads to shame and isolation! You're important and a friend is out there ready to help, you just have to ask!
You are a special lady! You encourage me everyday and that is partly because of your honesty and big heart! I pray for strength and guidance all day long. I know it was difficult for you to reach out and I am so thankful that you did.... It is easy to think we can handle everything "on our own". There are many of us that would love to be there for you as well. You showed more strength today than weakness and we all know you are a beast :) Just take it day by day and believe you make a difference! I love the blogs, they help me feel closer to you and Oregon. We are all works in progress, but GOD loves us just as we are! I love you too my friend and I am blessed to have you in my life!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteBravo!!!! I couldn't have said it better my self. I have struggled greatly the past year and a half since we moved. I feel isolated and alone. I miss the physical connection of meeting Cameo for girls lunch and spa day. I miss getting to come home and see my family every year. I miss having my family come visit me. I have found a new friend in my neighbor Trisha who is also struggling with relocating and finding herself all over again. Reconnecting, even if online, with old friends has been one of the greatest blessings. Finding out that I am not alone in finding myself lost and wondering how I got here. You are an inspiration to keep moving and honestly don't know that I would have gotten going as good as I did if not for some really good e-mail chats with Mindy. And please know that if you ever need to reach out, I am here. Always ready to listen and kick some ass if need be.
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