Reflections Pt 12: Community
Photo by the talented Hayley Harper
I recently reviewed the donations I received after my life changed forever on 10/16/22. Wow did it hit me in the feels! I found such comfort reading the sweet comments and remembering the widespread group who has supported me. Donations are just one of the many ways people have shown up. I cannot fathom where I would be without your support and love. THANK YOU!
At the same time, support comes on like a beautiful summer monsoon - it provides sweet relief, and then is gone before we can truly enjoy the respite.
The shock value wears off, and rightfully so, people return to their lives, their challenges and needs. Mine has remained focused on the aftermath of this horrific, tragic event; I am caught up, often disconnected, not tuned in, to the world outside of mine.
Relationships shift when big change or trauma happens; I experienced this when my dad passed away. People show up in surprising ways while others are unexpectedly absent. We isolate ourselves. It is all okay. An important knowing happens. And, it ebbs and flows. Like everything else, community is not constant.
I always work on not taking things personally, allowing myself to feel hurt when I am, and remembering that we are all doing our best. I am honoring and honing relationships that nourish me and trying to avoid expending too much energy on those that deplete. We all need to take care of ourselves, first.
Thank you to everyone who continues to show up in ways big or small, and for those who haven’t been as present, I see you, I’m here for you, and I love you too. I haven’t been as present myself. I hope we are all finding the support we need to make it through. What a work in progress!
These days, I find myself holding hugs for a long time. It’s yummy to hold and be held by someone you love and care about. Cherish your people. I’m holding you all now from afar.
With or without community, I am alone in this. Aren’t we all alone in our challenges, the center of our own universes… and in that sentiment, we can find common ground and perhaps not feel so alone after all 🧡
