Hi Friends.
We’re skipping Fitness Friday again because there are more important things to address. This week has been a particularly tough one in the blog world. All week long my google reader has been filled with grief , frustration, devastation and loss. What makes it even harder is that the people struggling and suffering are my friends.
These are ladies who have supported me, encouraged me and believed in me for the past two years. And my heart is breaking for them.
When it was my turn to have a rough week, they were there with comments, emails, tweets and kind words to get me through one more day.
So what do you do when it’s their turn? What do you do when friends are struggling and you find yourself stuck far away?
You send cards…not because you have to or because it’s expected, but because you want to.
You send virtual hugs because you can’t give real ones.
You let them know that you’re there if they need you, but more importantly, you understand that they may not. They may have someone else to lean on. They may want to talk to someone who has been through what they have. They may not need you until later, or at all. And that’s ok. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t let them know.
You think about times when you’ve struggled, about what you needed then, and you pass it on to those who need it now.
You let their struggles remind you to be grateful for everything you have going well in your own life. You take the time to appreciate your family, your pets, your health…. because a lot of us don’t do it often enough.
You shift your perspective and realize that the things you’ve been complaining about all this week really don’t matter that much in the long run. When a friend loses their baby, the fact that you have to work late three days in a row no longer seems like a big deal.
You send positive thoughts their way… because they deserve it.
You remind them that they are beautiful, incredible, amazing individuals…because they are.
And you have faith that they will face adversity and come out even stronger than they were before…because they will.
That’s what you do when it’s their turn.
Because someday, it will be your turn…and someone will do the same for you.
Go tell your friends you love them!
–Lindsay–
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Yay! Such a sweet, encouraging reminder! Thanks my fellow tall girl!
Love this Lindsay and such a great reminder and message. I especially love that you sent cards out because you want to. You are one incredible lady.
Such a beautiful post! You have such a big heart and I know you are going to bring smiles to their faces in spite of the hardships they are currently facing.
GREAT reminder going into a holiday week. Despite all the losses, we do have so much to be thankful for. I’m so thankful for this community and the way we hold each other up.
Such a great reminder on gratitude and perspective. I think it’s so easy to get completely caught up in our own (petty) dramas and forget that there’s so much more to life than what’s in our own little bubble. And sending cards (in the mail!) is such a simple way to make a big, positive, impact on someone’s day!
Such a lovely post!
The holidays are tough. It seems to bring out the worst and the best in all of us. Thanks for the reminder that a little action, such as sending a card, can put a smile on a person’s face or at least give a little comfort.
Great post and thanks for the reminder- I make cards- I need to send them out!
yes, this week has been tough on a lot of our friends. I think lifting them up in prayer and being there is what matters most. Such beautiful women going through hard things. Thank you for the reminder to stop and be there, always. You have one beautiful heart linz!
You have me in tears. This means so much more than I can even begin to express, Lindsay. Exactly what I needed to hear after such discouragement and hate filling me up the past couple of days. Love you!!! You are a true friend and I am SO thankful for that.
It’s good to have friends who care, and to be able to be a good friend back. I hope everything is ok with your friends….loss can be very difficult, but no one can get through anything without “a little help from a friend”!.
Beautiful post, Lindsay, and so well said.
Snail mail is truly the best : )
You’re definitely a good friend. My heart breaks for them too 🙁
Love this! Grief is such a hard emotion to tackle but it is certainly a lot easier with a good friend by your side and you are definitely one 🙂
I LOVE sending a pretty card for a just because reason…or even more when a person is in a sad place. It’s a rare treat to get a non-bill item in your mailbox as adult hood rears its ugly face! 😉 Love that you love!
Beautiful message coming from a beautiful sender. xo
Such a timely post! A sweet note or card can go a long way to show we care. Especially with the holidays coming. Thanks also for the reminder to be grateful for what we have!
I love this post. Getting real physical mail from a friend is always a great pick-me-up when you’re having a hard time. It helps to know that others are thinking about you in your time of need.
love, love, love! You are such a kind person, Lindsay. I am SO lucky and appreciative to have you as a friend! xoxo
Perfectly said, Lindsay!
Absolutely awesome post girly, great reminder to value every moment and to keep things in perspective. My heart and well wishes go out to all of them!
This gave me chils. I absolutely feel the very same way. You are a beautiful soul, my dear. XO
So sorry that your friends are going through such a hard time. Losing a baby is not something I can even image. I’m sure she is so thankful for the cards, virtual hugs, and your constant support. Things like this do put your life in perspective.
Beautifully written and SO true!
It’s always good to be reminded of the bigger picture and the things that truly matter in life. Friendship is such a beautiful thing. Friends pick you up when you’re feeling down, make struggles a little easier to bear, and rejoice in your joys with you. I’m wishing your friends peace and love in these times of difficulty.
Love, love this. I have felt the sadness around in blog world lately, and it makes me upset I can’t do anything to comfort the people suffering. I feel the exact same way. And it’s so important to put everything into perspective! From being blessed enough to wake up in a bed in the morning to being able to reach for food in the fridge and nourish ourselves. The love from this community is simply amazing! You have such a kind heart!
Such a wonderful post. My heart goes out to all those families.
I think getting a card in the mail that is encouraging and let’s you know someone is thinking of you makes all the difference! You are so sweet and encouraging!
I read the stories of those girls and my heart and good thoughts go out to each one. It’s really sweet of you to be thinking of them and you wrote it so beautifully.
AMEN my friend, amen. I am feeling the same way about these three ladies AND about the idea of sharing love and affection for friends and loved ones in any shape or form that you’re able to. Just this week I sent a card in the MAIL, to three of my friends, just randomly out of the blue, to show them that I care, that I value their friendship and that I love them. It made my day to hear how much they LOVED receiving that card in the mail out of the blue. That’s what life is about, little moments like that, you know? Great message friend, as usual!
This is beautiful…. You are an amazing friend, and I’m so blessed to be able to call you my friend! xoxo
Very well said. I was thinking the same thing today. While everyone is preoccupied thinking about what to serve for Thanksgiving, there are real people hurting and going through strife and frustration. I’m sending out two cards today. Thank you for reinforcing the “right thing to do”.