We get so busy caught up in our stuff sometimes that we don’t notice how the people around us are doing. How’s your bestie doing? What’s going on in your partners life? Have you checked in with your kids besides to see if their homework is complete?
I know I have been so focused on my struggles lately and focused on getting better. But I also have realized that the more I stay in my issues or bed, the more distant I feel, like something is missing. I had to take a step back today and take some time to reach out to the friends I love but haven’t talked to in what seems like months.
I have three friends in different states far from me, who I talk to on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. We talk about everything from work to kids to drama and the tv shows or books we are reading. You see, it really doesn’t matter what we talk about but having a distraction from one’s struggles that matters.
My nurse friend fills me in on all her workplace drama and the crazy cases that she has. There are so many politics in her hospital that she wants to move, but she loves the patients. I love hearing the late night ER stories, and then I do my part to encourage my friend or give her ideas for changing things.
Another has had relative problems for the last few weeks. Specifically a difficult aunt who likes to stir the pot. I’m thankful my aunts aren’t really that difficult and try to help her see the humor in the things her aunt does. I get distracted with her family tea and forget about some of mine for a while.
But then there is a friend who has fun things to celebrate now and coming up. Birthday dinners, baby’s first birthday, and a trip to see the Easter Bunny. To look in on how quickly things can change and grow in a year is amazing. A year can feel like such a short time or such a long time, depending on what side you are on and your perspective. I couldn’t imagine past a few dates (never having a long-term relationship), and yet here I am, and my boyfriend and I are almost a year.
I don’t know who you have in your circle. If they are in the same town as you or states away. If they are friends, family, coworkers, or mentors. I do hope, though, as anyone pops into your mind that you reach out. You never know who is having struggles or needs a friend or distraction. Perhaps you are the one who needs to hear about something other than your own drama. I dare you to reach out. Check in every once in a while 🙂
The Distracted Damsel 