There is so much pain echoing in the world right now. Everyday we are waking up to news of war, death, and heartache. I almost didn’t publish a newsletter this week because I couldn’t think of anything good worth writing about in times like these. That is, until this weekend, when I was reminded of how amazing my community is.
I am overwhelmed by the kindness I have experienced from my friends and family these last few weeks. For perhaps the first time in my life I have allowed myself to be vulnerable, to admit that my life is a mess that I’ve been struggling to deal with. For so much of my existence I’ve let shame, and an unrealistic expectation to appear perfect at all times, prevent me from letting my guard down. When things went wrong in my life, I’d shut the world out and try to fix all my problems myself before ever opening up to my family and friends. Admittedly, that was a really lonely way to live.
I’m at the place in my life where pretending is unbearable, I can’t put a mask on and I refuse to do so. It hurts and it makes no sense to paint on a smile when you’re broken inside. There is no shame in brokenness, we all break at different points in time. What I’ve had the privilege of witnessing lately, is that when we show people our broken pieces it gives them the opportunity to help us put them back together. We are not meant to suffer alone and in silence; pain is a load too heavy to carry by ourselves.
These are trying times, but in them we have each other.
Instead of finding shame when admitting my difficulties to my community, I have found encouragement, advice, and support. Every piece of love keeps me going, it enables me to hold on until things get better. There are a lot of people carrying pain right now; for themselves and for people thousands of miles away that they’ll never meet. These are trying times, but in them we have each other. Catch up with that friend you’ve been thinking about this week, send that text that’s on your heart. I promise you, little words of encouragement go such a long way, and they’re what keep us going.
Thank you to all the amazing people holding me together right now. I love you community; stay strong, keep your head up, and lend a helping hand when you can.
Resources
Alma - Therapy is a resource that I can’t recommend enough. It’s great to have a professional in your corner to help you work through problems that arise and traumas that need to be healed. Often times finding a solid therapist is the hardest part of the process, and I have found that Alma is the best site to do so quickly. Alma is a search engine for therapists that allows you to tailor your search based on type, insurance coverage, location, and your preference for virtual or in person therapy.
Remember Love: Words for Tender Times by Cleo Wade - Cleo Wade’s latest poetic offering was written to be a companion through hard times, and it’s been a soothing read for me these past few weeks. If you’re looking for some affirmation that everything’s gonna be okay, then this is the book for you.
Yellow - The tree outside my house is turning yellow, and the song “Yellow,” by Coldplay can’t stop playing in my head as a result. This is my soothing, throwback theme song this fall season.