Ch...Ch...Ch...Changes!

Every so often on Facebook, I see a post that goes something like this: I am tired of seeing people post how bad their life is or how badly they are treated, etc. If you don't like your life and the way it is going...change it. The post states that those people are looking for someone to tell them they are good, or they are worthy and to quit depending on others for that confirmation. Wow. Really? I am glad you have all of the answers. Maybe you should share those answers so that the rest of the world can know how to get through the day every day.

Sometimes we do have pity parties. Sometimes we do need to have someone who cares about us tell us to stop the pity party. Sometimes people do want to hear that they are okay and worthy. Sometimes people need to hear that. Sometimes we do need to make changes. But, make no mistake, changes are not easy. They are difficult, they are scary and seem like they are impossible.

I am a social worker. Five days a week, 8 hours a day, I see people who need to make changes. People don't come to my work because life is good. They come because life is hard. Some come after a devastating change in their life. Others because it is a way of life and they have grown accustomed to sitting back and letting others do for them. Still others just need help for a short time while they get it together. But, again, none of them come there because life is rosy.

I have been called a "bleeding heart". That is okay with me. I have been called worse by people who meant it. Why not tell that person who is "whining" that you will pray for them and do it? You don't have to tell them they are good or pretty or smart or whatever. Maybe what they need to know is that they are not alone. Don't underestimate the power of your words and gestures. You don't have to be drawn into the drama, you can simply let them know someone cares. You might be the one to make a difference and never know that you did. One thing is for sure, if you say or do nothing you won't have to wonder about that.

We all deal with life's issues differently. That is because each life is different and each set of circumstances are different. In the song "Jesus Loves Me" is the phrase "we are weak but HE is strong". Think about that.

Let me tell you a bit about me. I am loud. My mother always said "Sister, you have to remember your voice carries." That was her way of saying I am loud. I am strong and I advocate for what I believe in. I am a bleeding heart. I love my family and would battle anything or anyone for them. I cheer for the underdog. I laugh at stupid things and cry easily. I often speak without thinking but rarely intend to be hurtful. (Never wouldn't be true sadly.) I love animals. I love it when a kid gives me a hug. I sometimes hide chocolate so Ty won't eat it all. I have been with my husband for 25 years. I have a beautiful daughter. She has given me a precious gift of a beautiful granddaughter. I have a son who makes me proud and frustrates the hell out of me at the same time. I am blessed with a sister, a brother, my mom and dad, nieces and nephews...I have also been given the gift of having a mother/child relationship with many other young people. What more could anyone ask for, right?

Let me tell you a few other things about me. I am intimidated by all of the ch...ch...ch...changes in life. The changes that have already occured and those that may occur. I rarely speak, actually talk to, anyone on a daily basis that doesn't work with me or live in my home. I speak with my mother often, she is the exception. If I don't talk to her, she will keep calling. (LOL) Everything I do outside of my home focuses on someone else. I have a dog I have had for 13 years that has become nearly blind and deaf and breaks my heart. I don't always do the things I should be doing around the house. I procrastinate like crazy. I am late to work nearly every day. I don't sleep well. I waste time doing things that aren't important instead of doing the things that need to be done. I don't make time for people that I should and I am sure I am missing out on things because of that. Things that would bring me joy. I am terrified at the thought of my son graduating in May and leaving home. I know it is going to happen and truthfully want him to go and do and see. But, it still scares me. I give the impression of being a tough old broad when I am really not. I am often sad and wonder what is coming next.

This is not a pity party. I am not asking for anything. I don't want, "it will be ok" or "you are whatever". What I want is for people to open their hearts to each other. Even if you don't tell another you are praying for them, do it. They will still get the benefit of your caring and your prayers. Don't tell someone you love or care about to "suck it up and do something about it" when you are not in their position. I guess what I am saying is this: until you have walked in my shoes, don't judge me. And I am saying that for myself and anyone else it needs to be said for. If you have the opportunity to say suck it up, chances are someone has reached out to you. You may be the only one they felt they could reach out to and you may have just shot down the last hope someone had.

We all struggle at times. Remember that. Life is hard, but life is good. Much love.