I was not at my best the other day, and I admitted it to a friend. Iām still learning that itās okay to admit that to a friend. Or anyone. I still somehow can get stuck with needing to be āstrongā and look āstrong.ā No matter how much I write here that itās strength to not need to be strong, I can get stuck needing to be strong.
But I admitted my struggle and challenges. I admitted a bit of my fears. You know what my friend did? She offered to go out of her way ā way out of her way ā to be with me. So that I wouldnāt be alone.
I am not alone. We are not alone. Somehow I forget that. Often.
Another friend reminded me the other day that she has a disease that lies to her in her own voice. I too have a disease that can lie to me in my own voice. It tells me Iām not okay, or that I have to be solo and strong. And somehow, for a little while, I believe it.
And then a friend offers to be with me. To sit with me. To stay with me. To remind me that I donāt have to face anything by myself. I donāt have to be afraid, or at least not afraid alone.
I am not alone. We are not alone. You are not alone.
As human beings we need others, and as human beings we can somehow separate ourselves from others. When there is so much love around and within us. When there is so much beauty and joy and connection to share.
I am so thankful for my friend. Her simple offer to stay with me was such comfort, comfort beyond belief. My heart and soul were touched and soothed.
We are not alone. You are not alone. I am not alone.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!
Beautiful and so true. It’s so easy to isolate ourselves. It is often difficult to be vulnerable and ask for help even if it is just to have a friendly ear listen to us. Hope you are thriving on all fronts. Keep writing.
Thank you. It’s so easy to think we have to be alone and do it alone. It’s so amazing when we connect with others. š
“I too have a disease that can lie to me in my own voice. It tells me Iām not okay, or that I have to be solo and strong. And somehow, for a little while, I believe it.”
-Lisa Kohn
Thank you, Lisa! You have no idea how much these words meant and mean to me. I believe we lose sight sometimes and then a lovely Lisa Kohn comes along and shares we all experience these feelings. We stop inhale and exhale and suddenly a smile appears.
Thank you so much Lorraine. I’m glad my words touch you, and I know I survive and thrive best when I remember I’m not alone, and especially not alone with the tough things and the silly voices that tell me I am.