Reaching Out

As humans, we need each other. Handling things alone just stinks. But when things go wrong, we often want to keep it to ourselves. Maybe it is an illness, a diagnosis, a problem, or a mistake. We all have had something that makes us NOT answer the phone. Something that makes us go into our cocoon. I've been there a few times, some longer than others. But it is so important to emerge from that cocoon and stretch our wings. We are changed in the metamorphosis of catastrophe. We are enabled to help others who will surely need our help because they are going through the same exact thing that we went through and made it through. We survive so that we can help others survive. Nothing brings peace like the person who tells you "their story". Hope emerges, and you realize that you are not alone. I know that this reaching out instinct is built into us as humans just by observing my child this week during a very stressful time. First there was a migraine that made it impossible for him to function in class. This was in my cocoon in my opinion. Then I saw him use the tool that he uses best... his phone. He called a friend. He reached out. It gave me peace that he did this without my prodding. ( I prod a lot). The past couple of weeks I have been in a cocoon because of a great pity party that I was throwing. Sorry you may not have gotten the invitation. But my son's example spoke volumes to me. This weekend I made it my mission to reach out and get out of my cocoon. In doing so, I have already had the opportunity to help people who are needing it, just like I needed help. I was able to give that help because I have "been through it". People were not meant to be alone. It makes our stress rise to be holding things in alone. ( I got a honking fever blister from it!). Let it out. Be inspired to "reach out" to others. You will be helped. Others will be helped. Things will get better when we are there for each other.