I’m not going to beat around the bush. I’ll get right to the
point. I won’t dance around what I’m trying to say, as I know it gets
irritating to read something and wonder when you’ll get to what the writer is
getting at. That’s why I’m not going to do that here.
(giggle)
Ok, now that I got my joke out of the way, here we go.
You never know who has your back. You never fully realize
how many people are thinking of you… pulling for you… wishing the best for you…
even actively looking out for you.
In this strangely connected world where unless someone ‘likes’
your post you just assume they either (a) didn’t see it or (b) don’t care, it’s
refreshing to know that really isn’t the case. At all.
Most of you are aware by now I was laid off (again) in mid-July.
I won’t get into that day too much, other than to just say it sucks to go
through all this job hunting again. I thought I fixed that three years ago, so
to have to sing this song again brought out a lot of anger, frustration and confusion.
Not saying some of it still isn’t there, but time has a way of providing
perspective.
If you’ve never been laid off, the range of emotions you go
through is wide. But, one of the most prevalent is a kick to your self-confidence
and self-worth. Your inner-voice tells you a lot of things, but very few of it
is good.
What I found so refreshing was how many people showed their
initial support. I almost feel like I’m having to post too many of these, but
each time, I’m shown an amazing amount of love and support.
Thank you. Sincerely. Genuinely. Thank you.
Some of you immediately offered to help in any way you
could. There was literally more than I could realistically handle. It took me a
long time to go through all the options people offered up.
But over time, some of you kept checking in on me. When my
spirits were down, that encouragement really helped. A lot. And it still does.
What was really humbling (and prompted me thinking to write
this) was someone in particular reaching out to me. I’m not sure in all our FB
friend-time I’d ever heard from her. For all I knew I was just one of the
people who she’d either blocked because I’m obnoxious or I just didn’t show up
on her feed.
But, she reached out to me with some options to check into.
And I thought, “Wow. I had no idea she even knew my situation…” It literally
brought me to tears. Here I am throwing a pity party and feeling worthless yet
there are people out there looking out for me I really don’t know about.
That got me to thinking who is out there praying for me I don’t
know about either.
And what’s strange, is this is someone I wouldn’t consider
to have a close relationship with. For no real reason other than she has her
life and I have mine. We are always certainly friendly when our paths cross,
but she cared enough for me to try to help.
If she’s reading this, she’ll know exactly who she is. I’m
not going to point her out because it’s not pertinent to my point. I’ll address
her directly. But, if you ARE reading this… thank you!
When I’m feeling worthless, down, depressed, sad, etc… the
first thought in my mind is how few people really care. But, we have NO CLUE
how many people really do. None. And it’s an amazing thought to know people you
hardly talk to have your back.
Then I got to thinking… how often do notice people’s posts
without ‘liking’ or reaching out? Quite often, actually. I read everything I
see and say more prayers than I let known for people. That’s not patting myself
on the back as much as it is a reminder that if I’m doing that, then I know
other people are doing that for me.
(Now comes part 2 where I shift to a deeper level…)
I struggle with depression. Have for YEARS, even when I didn’t
realize it. If you do too, then you know that even when things are going well
in your life, it can be a major hindrance. It goes beyond just being sad. And
stress is a MAJOR trigger. Good stress, even.
So, discouragement is easy to come by. Encouragement isn’t.
Reach out to people you know are struggling just to let them know you have
their back. You’re thinking of them. Praying for them. Regardless of who they
are. You may feel a bit strange, especially if you really only have them on
your friends-list to stalk their pictures or laugh at how obnoxious they are
from time to time. But, do it anyway.
And don’t think your words will be lost in a sea of other
well-wishers. Trust me… that is NEVER the case. If for no other reason than it
helps reinforce in their minds they are loved and thought of by people who aren’t
in their normal circle. We expect those close to us to encourage us. But when
someone we don’t talk to often joins the party, is makes it exponentially
sweeter.
And it helps provide the most important of human needs…
hope.
I could write a novel about depression and its impact, but
maybe another time. What is most important here and now is knowing that
regardless of your situation… people have your back and pull for you even when
you are oblivious to it. And the key on the other side is make others sure to
know when you DO think about them.
There’s enough ugly in this world. Bring a little joy. Go
the extra mile.
Someone did for me and it blew me away.
(PS... someone literally just hollered at me, offering to help and encouragement right before I hit publish on this. Amazing.)
