Stop. Look & Listen

One of the worst fears of humans is being alone. No matter how much any of us says we can survive

alone, we all need support a one time or another. Some of us more often than others, depending on our life circumstances. The magical thing about life, is that we always have some support somewhere, even if we have to seek if out. We have to give part of ourselves to be able to receive support in return. Sometimes we need to stop thinking so much about our own circumstances, and see how much those around us love us and care for us.
When I was a kid, my mom read me this poem that was meant to help learn about crossing the street It went like this:
Stop, look, and listen
Before you cross the street;
Use your eyes, use your ears,
Then use your feet.

If we look around us we can always see support, a solution, understanding, and whatever else we may need. It doesn't always resonate with us, since as we look, we see a big blank space instead of hope, faith, and love. Before we "run into oncoming traffic," so to speak, we may need to just stop. Look around us. See where we have been. See where we are going. See how our directions have shifted, before we down the progress that hasn't been made, or that we feel will never be made.
When we face something traumatic, no matter how long ago the incident was, sometimes we need to be reminded that it's okay to put a red light for awhile and reflect upon our own journeys. We need to be reminded that the people who love us will always be on the other side of the street, and they can even meet us halfway if we need it. When we are sure of the belief of others in us and our own belief in ourselves, we are able to "use our feet," with confidence and continue moving forward, despite any yellow lights we may have hit along the way.        
   

Sangria Perspective

It was fifteen years to the day I almost lost my life. I was sitting in a bar in Boston enjoying sangria with some of my closest friends. For the first time, I was compelled to “celebrate life.” The people who celebrated with me only knew of my near death experience through my recounting of events, and the occasional life frustrations I may vent to them about. I never celebrated that day before. To me, July 25^th was always a day that represented loss. It was a day that my metaphorical rug of life was taken out from under me way too soon.

 I want to share my story of experiencing sudden illness, that can't quite be characterized as illness at all.  I want to share the story of how the understanding of others has brought me further in life than I ever thought I could go.

Every single one of us has a story. We need a platform to share it on. I want other "survivors" to share their stories and to be able to tell the world “Life tried to conquer me, but I conquered it.”

I celebrated for the first time fifteen years of “life after the surgery” with a few friends, because they understand and appreciate me for who I am. They make me glad to be a survivor. It's hard when you experience something not many people understand. It's even more challenging when you must grow through life carrying those burdens around with you, and they seem to haunt you every step of the way.  It's why quality social connections are so important- they are part of what help us to survive.

Other people help us to see ourselves and our lives more clearly; where we have been, where we are going, and who we are. Sometimes we simply need someone to help us laugh at ourselves. Although we’re all broken in some way or another, I discovered that good relationships fill in the cracks and make us feel whole. They accept us as we are; broken bits and all. Friends actually help us to make sense of our "brokenness." We never have to forget the not so fabulous things that life throws at us, because they’re part of who we are. The challenge is to embrace them and learn from them. Having people in our lives that care about us and receive us, when they are well aware of our flaws, is a huge blessing that pulls us through life.