Sometimes things happen in life that force me to reflect. Reflection isn’t always easy…. just like looking in the mirror and acknowledging the cumulative effects of years in shades of gray and crevices along once-porcelain skin, reflection sheds light on ingrained patterns that led to some of my darkest days.
My weakest moments have shown me that faith is hope, and love is the way. Not romantic love. Instead, the love that is friendship and genuine caring for others; the kind of love that prompts me to do something just to make someone else smile. Because, when I can’t find the strength to smile myself, seeing someone else smile is enough.
Love is the guide.
This weekend, I visited friends that I haven’t seen in a few years. I can think of many excuses reasons, but all of them are selfish. I showed up on their doorstep unannounced, Easter Lily in hand, and they welcomed me without any hard feelings whatsoever. We visited for hours, she shared some chocolate cake and hugs and we will go to lunch next month when I’m in town again.
This last year has shown me that when the passing idea to do something kind happens, don’t ignore it. When the thought turns into an urging that keeps resurfacing, I should definitely do something. With faith giving me strength and love as my guide, I’m ready to embrace the lessons that life has for me.
Have a beautiful Monday!
JannaTWrites 
When we follow our intuition/natural impulses/inner voice . . . we often end up exactly where we “need” to be.
Glad you enjoyed the visit with your friends.
That is the beauty of real friendships, love and acceptance. Glad you had a nice visit. Love the heart cactus!
Exactly! 😊
You see, Janna? This just proves how far you’ve already come! The woman of a year ago never would have ventured to even a friend’s house unannounced — now, you’ve reached out, been warmly received, and can anticipate a renewing friendship and support system. Wow, I’m so proud of you, you know! Hang in there. Yes, you’ll still have times of doubt and fear, but they’ll become briefer and farther between the good times. Was that really a heart-shaped cactus?? I never saw one like it — can we take it as a sign?!!
So happy you had a good experience. Your friends must have been thrilled to see you after so long. 🙂
What a wonderful lesson to remember, Janna! I hope you’ve had a lovely Easter weekend! 🙂
“to do something just to make someone else smile” on to ” seeing someone else smile is enough.” Big wisdom here. (and you are right, if there’s and impulse to do a kindness, it’s a nudge – to help them…and in return yourself)
Strange goodness waiting to lead us if we’d only notice. Hope your Easter was hoppy
Good friends are always there for you. You’ve come a long way through terrible hardships and you are finding your way back. Showing up with a lily is a great way to surprise old friends. I have a feeling there are a lot of people out there who love you no matter what, and they will be your friends forever.
How beautiful – Love is at the core of our being.
Yes! I’ve been grateful that when the surface feels turbulent and unrelenting, some form of kindness can brew to the top. You can’t harness that forever.
Love is definitely the key to the universe, Janna. I’m so glad you had a lovely time with your friends over Easter – big virtual hugs to you xxxx
That was a beautiful post, Janna. So full of hope and inspiration for others. Sounds like you are doing well! I hope you had a nice Easter holiday! All the best to you! xo
Yes, I agree, those urgings to act kindly need to be embraced. As you say, kindness can bring joy to both parties. I’m glad you chose to reach out to old friends.
Very good advice here. I wonder why it is that we so easily ignore that wisdom within?
I love your insight on everything. There are only so many chances to show kindness.
Tim
I love this! What a wonderful surprise to find you on their doorstep!
Janna, somehow I missed this post last month and I apologize. You have been on my mind for days, at least, and I’m glad you ventured out. On the last collaboration of ours, in the comments, you wrote that the best you could say about how you are doing is that you wake up every day. I remember days and months like that. Actually it was almost two years. And I hate to say that to you, but some get through it much faster, some much slower. What helped me is that I loved to read and so found some meet up groups that would discuss a different book a month and I pushed myself to go.That was my way of reaching out. I’m sure it’s getting better everyday but in such baby steps that you don’t even notice. And of course there are the inevitable backwards steps. Just keep waking up!
Beautiful thoughts…