Get yourself a group. A group of people for the areas of your life that are the very people who get who you are; and by a group, I mean many groups.
I miss a group of ladies who I saw almost weekly for nearly ten years. We were solid in each other’s lives, but life for each of us took different turns, and although we can still connect and talk, we don’t do so collectively as we once did. I miss that…and I miss these ladies.
I miss the various groups of moms who I saw regularly throughout the different stages of motherhood, from the infant/toddler years to the school-age years. We shared stories and mom-life with one another, but life for each of us took different turns, and although we could connect and talk, we don’t as much if at all any longer. I miss those times…I miss the moms.
I miss the women I gathered with over the decades who had a desire to grow in their faith together, through Bible studies penned by women who have such a heart and love for God; a journey we did together, but that was really so much more about our individual relationship with God. I miss those gatherings…I miss those women.
I’ve also been experiencing this strange sort of guilt associated with this powerful feeling of missing so many people, places, and things. Difficult to process through because I am surrounded by those who love me; I have my family that I am blessed to see on a daily basis, family outside of my home whom I am fortunate enough to talk to regularly, even though they live miles away, and amazing technology that keeps me connected to family and friends near and far. And yet, I just miss so much “other stuff” that my heart just hurts, I feel broken and unseen some days, unproductive and unqualified other days, and wandering without purpose almost daily.
Today I logged in and joined in with a group. It was a Zoom group of writers and it’s been a while since I’ve seen them. I’ve missed them, but I didn’t realize how much until I saw them. Each of their faces framed perfectly in their “Brady Bunch” squares on my screen and as we began to talk and share – about life, about writing – I felt a spark inside me. By the end of our time together that spark had lit a flame of hope and reflection; darkness had been overcome. I wrote these words below in our 5-minute free write during our time together. I have not written anything for two months, so I ask for grace as I slowly wobble to stand, after sitting for so long, unable to write. The topic given was “What do you see; what surrounds you?”, and I wrote:
I SEE HOPE I see people who understand, who encourage me by their very presence. I see hope. I see people that pray and see God's guidance and truth, who have uplifting words to share. I see hope. I see people who laugh and smile, and write those same emotions, along with so many other feelings, beautifully and creatively. I see hope. I see God showing me how to keep walking on the path He has guided me to, the path He is leading me on. I see hope.
Today I wrote again. Today I put pen to paper and words showed up, not because they weren’t there, but because I chose to write them. I trusted the writing process. Isn’t this also somewhat similar to our faith walk; our trust in God, yes, but also trust in our relationship with Jesus and who He is? We have to take the steps – the pen to paper – so that we chose to see Him over seeing our struggles, our insecurities, and ourselves.
I feel as if I tackled an obstacle today and I’m smiling again, as I allow hope to fill me once again.
I encourage you to put pen to paper, in whatever way that looks for you today. Choose to take a faithful step forward, and trust Who is guiding you forward.
- Connect with one or more of your groups. Hugs needed, even if virtual.
- Give grace and allow yourself to receive grace. Grace wins.
- Endless choices: draw, write, paint, take pictures, etc. Get creative.
- Take a walk, go on a run, get outside. Fresh air is a must.
- Make some tea, another pot of coffee, or hot cocoa. Treat yourself.
Tackle an obstacle, overcome a fear, speak truth to the lies, and remember, a single flame, gently yet powerfully flickering, brings light to the darkness. It just takes a spark…
Wishing you a day filled with hope.
~jeh
I’m very proud of you! You have a beautiful and creative soul that needs expression. The greatest thing is when you do you bless those around you! Shine brightly like the shining star you are!
Your writing strikes a chord with me today, just as a former pastor always made us feel he was talking to us. No matter our individual circumstances, we can all relate.
Thank you for your beautiful insight.
I see hope!
Thank you Carolyn for your words that truly encourage me and let me know that others can relate – we all are in this together.
Great work ! Keep it up !
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement!