I wanted to share an experience with you that affected me very deeply. I have been writing this blog now for three years. Every week I hope that what I write about is helping someone. Even if it is just for you to know that you are not alone in this world. The world of mental health is much larger, and it doesn’t help that it still fights against a stigma that started hundreds of years ago. Occasionally, I might hear from someone that what I have written about has touched them, but the other day, all of this work made sense. And it was just a simple conversation.
My Struggle
A few days ago, I struggled with a change at work. It wasn’t really the change that triggered me, but it felt as if it was that one tiny stone setting off an avalanche. All of the emotions and frustrations I have been carrying bundled up inside, was let out. I spiraled. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, be around anyone or even see anyone. And it was after a few of my close friends took a little time to listen to me, I felt better. But it was what happened next that made it all clear.
Their Struggle
I was visited by an executive from a company my office hired just a day after my emotional breakdown. This person came to me to discuss work information, but our conversation turned in the middle. As we discussed the types of personalities, we both work with, I found myself laughing. Understanding the concern and frustration he was experiencing in his own work. I offered a little information from my perspective throughout the conversation.
And that was when it occurred to me. This person, not knowing me at all, came into my office upset and bound up with his own emotions because of some personal issues. And after talking with me for thirty minutes, is walking away feeling lighter. He actually told me that I was making so much sense and realized that some of the things he was worried about, were not worth the effort. He too was surprised and told me he was leaving my office feeling like the weight of the world was off his shoulders.
After he had left my office, I sat down and just laughed. I just couldn’t help to think, “I needed that!” I live my life to help others. A “people-pleaser” is what I am. And many times, people like me get used because the of ease I am willing to put myself out there to make others feel good. Unfortunately, it is very rare that we hear how we really impact someone’s life. It was at that moment that life was telling me there is a reason.
You never know who needs help
People go through life trying to figure out what they were meant to do. What they were meant to be in this crazy world. This pursuit tends to lead so many down the path of struggle. The overwhelming push to find who you are can easily bring anxiety and depression. Most of my young adult and adult life was lost because I felt lost as to who I was. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. Even lost the feeling of liking things in my life. I knew I was depressed as a teenager, but looking now, I can see it never really went away.
We all do
This chance encounter with this executive had me realizing that there will be times when you just don’t know. We will struggle to find what we want in life. There will be hard times and stumbles along the way. But we have to keep trying. We have to keep reaching out. Keep talking, listening, and looking. Because you may just find that one day, you were there, right where you were supposed to be. For me, I had to go through struggles in my life to be the person I am today. That person that someone knows will listen to them. Because sometimes you just never know when someone could use a little extra help.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth your friend,
