There is no shame in admitting when we're weak, and we need that helping hand.

I want to begin today’s post in gratitude. Gratitude for every single one of you who has taken the time to reach out and share not only your own stories of struggling with feeling like you’re not where you want to be in this life, but also for taking the time to encourage, support and lift me up. I accept your love, and appreciate it, deeply.

We are all one, we all struggle, fall and hurt. Or as my mother used to always say; “we all bleed red.” Acts of kindness are what assist us in picking ourselves back up off the ground, and give us the power to dust ourselves off and carry on. It is so powerful when the support comes from people outside of ourselves, reminding us that we’re never alone, and that it’s alright to feel what we feel, but also, reminding us of the truths we cannot see about ourselves while we’re in the thick of personal disappointment.

So I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope and pray that in some way I do the same for you when you’re in your bummed out place.

I also thank the many who read my daily posts, and in particular that one, even though you didn’t message me. I felt your support through from number of you who read it. I know that there is very little time in a day to do “extra things” that are not on our “to do lists” which makes me all the more thankful that each of you takes time out of your day to read my blog. It means the world to me.

Honestly, there is so much truth in Hilary Clinton’s statement: “It takes a village to raise a child.”

I’m here to tell you that I believe that it also takes a village to support an adult. We must all do our part to bring strength, support, faith and confidence to one another on those days when we just can’t go on for one more moment. It isn’t shameful to admit you need a helping hand. There is no shame in admitting when you’re weak and when you need outside strength to just muscle through. This is true love and self awareness when you’re willing to admit that you can’t get there on your own. I find this especially true and important for men. So often men feel like they have to be stoic, without fear, and failure. The pressure they must feel by not being “free” to admit them must feel somewhat stifling. We women are blessed that being open is expected and welcomed of us.

If you speak about what is heavy on your heart/soul and bring it to light, then it cannot, will not overtake you. I believe wholeheartedly that it is impossible for something that is no longer hidden to control us. Only the shit that we hide has power over our lives. Which is why it is so incredibly important to know when it’s time to speak up and release it. Don’t let it stay in the dark corners of yourself for too long, because that’s when it starts to feel insurmountable. I also believe that it doesn’t allow the negative thoughts to take over, or push you to give up when you speak the scary, upsetting BS out loud.

As I wrap up today’s post, I want to let you all know that I do my best to read your tweets when you comment at me, or when you reach out to me about your own struggles. With life being as it is I’m not always able to give you a response when you share something about yourself that you need support with, especially if there are multiple people in the thread, but please know without a doubt that I see it and I pray for you. When there are a bunch of other friends in the chat it makes it difficult to read all the comments, and support that they’re giving you, but I do see your initial message and keep it on my heart. We all need friends, we all need love, so ask for it, and you shall receive, especially my male readers out there.

Happy hump day you fabulous people you!

Love SB