I am going to do something next week I haven’t done since I started writing this blog 2 1/2 years ago. I am going to take a vacation. You see, even when I’m on vacation, I make sure something posts every day. In learning to be kind to myself, I am giving myself permission to pause my writing. So, today, I am leaving you with something to ponder next week.

Wednesday I checked my Instagram account and there was a post from Brene’ Brown. This is what she said:

This immediately struck a chord in me. I thought, “Yes! That is so true!” As I pondered this statement, I came to the sad realization how often I do this. I consider myself a positive realist. I am comfortable with reality, but I want myself and others to see the positive possibilities in the present reality, especially when it is difficult.

In doing so, I am not allowing the other person – or myself – to have a moment of grief, sadness, disappointment, angst – whatever it is – in the difficult moment.

Some of my best moments with friends have been when they didn’t just allow me to be in my disappointment. They joined me. I fear I haven’t always joined others the way I want to. If that is you, I am sorry. Learning this today has been uncomfortable.

I leave you with these words from Paul to the church in Corinth —

³All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Perhaps this resonates with you in some way. I invite you to join me in learning to sit with others in their reality knowing that it’s okay to be uncomfortable with them. It just might be the best way to love someone.

Have a lovely week and I will be back with regular posts on Monday, March 15.