If you have followed for the past few weeks you know myself and many of my friends have gone through some very difficult challenges. Not only did most of them go through Hurricane Ida but a few of them also had medical challenges for themselves or a family member. A few have reached out to me trying to figure out how to balance the stress a medical problems and family life. The stress a medical diagnosis has on relationships is indescribable. One would think that something that hurts so much would bring people closer and that support would increase but if you have lived through something like this you understand that it is not always the case. This occurs within a marriage and even lifetime friendships. Everyone copes differently and it's easy to judge the way someone else is dealing/managing the stress because you feel your way is the right way but in reality we all deal differently. What we need to make sure of though is to check in on each other especially during the acute stage of the issue and when something unexpected happens. It's easy to let normal routines manage our daily life but carving out some time to check in on others is important...even just a quick text reminds someone that they are thought about.
You can never underestimate the power of companionship. It's what makes us human: connections with others, love, and bonds helps us get through the tough times. So when a friend sends a text to check in or set up a dinner or anything it can change your whole perspective and change how you are feeling that minute and if plans are made it gives you something to look forward to.
Checking in is something you should do even with your spouse. I cannot tell you how many times I get caught up in all of the things happening in life and feel alone, even when home with my family. It's like distraction helps get through the day and it also helps not to focus on the hard stuff but then you lose focus on what is important. It's becoming easier to recognize when I get in a routine rut when Patrick and I are sitting in the same room and one of us says...I miss you. Wow! we live in the same house and do pretty much everything together, how can we miss each other. These are the times I realize that I haven't checked in on him/us in a while to make sure he is ok and that we are ok. Life is hard and busy but to make life work we need to check in and make sure we are all on the same page...or at least on the same chapter.
So with everything that is going on especially down here in Louisiana make sure to check on one another...your friends and family near and far and especially those who live in the same house with you. It truly makes a difference.
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