I read somewhere recently that some of the most powerful words in the English language are, “Me, too!” ( I think it was in Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton). I must say I wholeheartedly agree! What other combination of words can make us feel like we are not totally abnormal and that someone has our back?
It’s like permission to breathe…
When we say, “Me, too,” the exhale seems to take a little longer and empty those lungs full of panic and fear and aloneness.
Just imagine that you’re talking to someone, and she says,” I struggle with (fill in the blank),” and your eyes light up, lock on hers and you say, “ME, too!!” ( did you feel ’em empty?) What a relief. Your heart leaps and your shoulders feel lighter and you feel soul-connected.
You + Me = Connection. (I don’t know about you, but THAT’S my kind of math!)
In order for us to build community we must be vulnerable. Oh, what a scary place to be – so exposed and raw – like an antelope with no escape from a lion:
… what if she laughs at me?
…what if she really does think I’m a weirdo?
…what if she tells my friends and they all look at me differently?
…what if they leave me?
I am learning that there is power in vulnerability. There is power in the shared hurts and soul-sinking feelings. There is power in the soul-connection. We are not alone. Each one of us has something that crushes our spirit, something that squeezes the joy from daily living, something that keeps us from being free.
Here’s the kicker – each one of us can change that. We can have a do-over at any point in the day. Yep – as I tell my daughter, you can turn it around right now.
If you feel alone, spirit-crushed, or even just a bit quirky , that’s ok. I urge you to take a chance in the next week and share it with someone -a close friend, a mentor, a pastor – or even with me. I promise I won’t laugh or criticize (cross my heart).
It takes guts to be vulnerable. I am convinced the most helpful encouragement comes from someone who has traveled that same path…..but we won’t find her if we don’t peel back a layer or two and expose our insecurities.
Our walls have served their purpose. They protected our hearts, or so we thought. It’s time for us to tear them down, brick by brick, layer by layer. Our soul-connections are out there. God will be with us as we learn to let go and let Him handle the details.
My go-to is The Serenity Prayer in times of confusion. It’s amazing what perspective it brings. I urge you to give it a try – you may have to say to several times, but I can assure you, it is a powerful meditation of acceptance and release. By the grace of God we go…
This is where the REAL changes happen, my friends
I’ll go first. My name is Kristin and I am a grateful member of Al-Anon, a mommy-tantrum thrower, uncertain mama of a kiddo with unique needs and anxiety-sufferer. I get overwhelmed easily and need my space and time to regroup or I am a wound up ball of tangled string – yet I always try to fill my schedule and I fell like I am always busy. I am trying to make more time for spiritual whitespace and let Him guide me because I can’t do this alone.
Care to join me?
Psst….Guess what y’all? “Me, too!”
I am so excited and filled with gratitude to be linking up with fellow writers (in)couraging writers today. Come check us out!
See the Shine * Be the Shine 