I was at our family reunion a couple of weeks ago which was a wonderful time to catch up with the family, but was also highly emotional as the last time that most of us had been together was dad’s funeral the previous April.
During the course of the weekend, I was talking to one of my older cousins who had been going through a rough time of it. I told her that given what she had been dealing with, I shouldn’t really be complaining. She looked at me and said “never compare yourself to what other people are going through. You have every right to feel the way you feel and you have every right to talk about it.”
She made a very valid point and one that I’m still thinking of three weeks later. How often do you talk to people and find yourself thinking that your issues are so much smaller than the person you’re speaking to? I know I do as I hate to think of myself as a burden to others.
We are all at different stages of the journey and no two journeys are ever the same. Making connections, whether face to face or online can make all the difference. One of the greatest gifts you can give someone who is struggling is a non-judgemental ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on and time for the conversation to take place. Speaking from experience, you never know how much it can truly help.