Our trip could be described with one word :: RELATIONSHIPS
During our trip we had the pleasure to visit with new and old friends as well as family that we seldom see.
Over the last few years we have felt at times alone, wishing we had people around that we could laugh with, share who we are and find out who they are.
The past ten years my husband and I have begun our lives together, finished school, moved states away from where we began, experienced great loss and stress. Our family has grown to welcome two precious children and a few pets. Our beliefs and dreams have stretched and bloomed. We have changed -together- and it has been beautiful.
Yet, when you don't have a community around you it can feel lonely to experience it all. Friendships vary in lengths and depths but we need them. I needed to reach out and try again. Perhaps you do too. It may be hard if you are searching but feel like you come up empty handed. Take a fresh look at those around you. It could be a neighbor or perhaps several, varying in age yet bring something special and unique. I would even say, look in places where perhaps distance is a factor but support is present, like online. Wherever you seek, be brave and know that if you are true with your words and actions then you will find friendship that is nourishing to you and your friend.
Slowly, I am finding or reconnecting with people who are apart of my community. People who inspire, who create laughter to swell up and burst forth, who are a source of energy as I recharge. I hope that I am returning their gift of friendship by being the friend that they need.
 |
| share the love |
Take time to thank those in your life that make up your community. Join Shannon for thirty days of giving thanks. You might just be amazed by how many people really are making your days brighter.
Logging you in...
shannon · 700 weeks ago
Yvonne · 698 weeks ago
This post speaks to me, I so understand where you're coming from! For the past eleven years we lived in a town where it was - for some reason, I'm still not sure! - impossible to connect to anyone. Man, I tried and put myself out there, but I never really got beyond anyone's front door! That can indeed feel SO lonely, and frustrating! To me, it was hard not to think something must be wrong with ME... I remember when I took Shannon's Inside/Out e-course, the first edition back in January 2010, someone shared that at any time in her life, she had at least two close friends nearby she could connect with, and it made me feel so alone, and honestly, jealous!
We moved last November, and over the past year I have met wonderful new neighbours who became friends, and I really feel part of the community around here. I finally feel 'home', for the first time in my adult life. It has definitely been a healing experiment!
I love your blog title, tenacious lace, and it sort of symbolises to me what a feeling of community and friendship is - beautiful, fragile, but stronger than you think if you take good care of it.
Grateful for this post, glad to have stumbled upon you :)
(& sorry for taking up so much of your comment section with personal stuff!)
Yvonne · 698 weeks ago