Ever have one of those days when everything seems depressing and you feel like you muffed just about everything you put your hand to even though you really haven't? One thought leads to another, then to another down the road to all sorts of thoughts and memories that you forgot you had. Your inner strength wanes as dark thoughts force their way into your head. You feel like noone's ever told you that you were a good mom or wife, that you were pretty and capable or able to make them happy. You try your hardest only to be met with negatives, criticism, undeserved blame, or so it seems. You know that what they say isn't true, but it hurts nonetheless - the tears start to flow and just don't want to stop.
How do you turn that around back into a positive? Well, I let it flow through me, letting the tears come, allowing the thoughts to lead where they will, looking for what needs to be released, asking for the lesson to be learned through this round; asking for the next step - how to use it to help others perhaps, or that old wounds be healed so as to move on to a healthier emotional state. I ask myself if it's just a major hormonal downswing or something that really needs to be dealt with. Maybe it's 'yes' to both of those. Well, this time it lead to this flow of words - another healthy outlet for my thoughts and emotions.
How do you help a friend through times like these?
- listen
- commiserate
- let them have their melancholy time without judgment
- be available if they want to talk
- be sensitive to what they need (I struggle with that sometimes)
- share the tears
- encourage
- laugh
I know all these help as a dear friend demonstrates to me and those around her every day. Some days I have the privilege of returning what has so generously been shown to me.
This blog has become an unexpected outlet for days like this. If it can help just one person to read this and know they're not alone on such days, then I'm happy with that.
4 comments:
Hmmm...what did you tell me recently?
"You sell yourself short, my friend."
May I say those words back to you? You are and always will be my dearest of friends and I love you for all you are and aren't. You are my heart and you give more than you will ever know. :-)
That photograph was the perfect preface to your thoughts. It definitely got my attention.
"A time to keep silence, and a time to speak." -- My tongue recognizes neither of these times naturally or well, yet I have determined to spend the rest of my life praying for wisdom that I might re-orient it. Reading what you wrote makes me want to work harder and faster; I'd do so if only to encourage you more excellently, my friend. You are worth it.
Well, I couldn't ask for more wonderful friends than you two.
Liz, you are a truly amazing woman - I am blessed beyond words.
Kev, your loyalty, acceptance, and love are dear to me.
you forgot to add "make sure that you take your black cohosh and soy to that list"
my friend, I know your troubles, can't wait for them to pass ^.^
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