It feels as though everyone has turned their back on you. There is a feeling that you don’t matter, and that no one cares. A feeling of abandonment, frustration, anger and longing for someone to just “get” you.
Sound familiar?
Maybe you are surrounded with people that tell you to “just get over it,” ”you’re imagining things,” ”just snap out of it.” This is not for you to take personally, as it’s their lack of understanding and knowing how to support you.
I love this quick 30 second video from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to Defeat Denial around mental illness.
I’m going to do what I do best: storytelling, inviting you into a day in the life of Lee. A day of gratitude, love, unexpected miracles and the blessing of . . .
Finding Support in the Least Expected Places
Imagine for a moment if you will. . . Feeling alone, feeling that you aren’t being heard, that you don’t matter and nothing you do or say will make a difference.
Can you picture this? Find a moment in your life where you felt unappreciated, rejected, abandoned and alone.
Now. . . picture how you got out of it.
What characteristics did it take? Who were you being? What did you do? Who were you surrounded with? Who showed up and supported you? How did you take the step to move onwards and upwards?
This is a story of the unexpected displays of love, generosity and finding support in the least expected places.
Thursday June 14, 2012 – I arrive in Vancouver. Welcomed with the unconditional love of a dear friend (Farhana). From the moment we come together, sparks fly; gratitude, respect and deep unconditional love; the kind of love that is present in true friendship.
Later that day, I arrive at an event; the Vancouver launch of A Quiet Strong Voice. I entrusted the organization of this event to someone I have never met (Laura), who lovingly took care of every single detail. Laura’s generosity and hard work, tireless in her commitment to serve, allowed this evening to unfold. Two other women, Alanna and Kelty, who I have never met, also work tirelessly to create a serene and beautiful space.
What happened, was truly magical. A beautiful example of the power of community, connection, relationship. kindness, love, generosity and support in the least expected places. A long awaited meeting in real life between me and a wise mentor (Rae). Rae was my Instructor when I took my Coaching Certification through Erickson College in 2008. The mutual admiration, respect and love was captured in a warm, loving embrace.
Jael & Lee
Now enter in a 15 year old girl (Jael). A young woman, whose actions portray someone many years her senior; resilient, courageous, determined, compassionate and wise. Jael creates the opportunity to bridge two generations to connect and understand each other. The words of her songs that she has written herself touch the hearts of all present. Unconditional, lets us in on a young boy who wanted to choose suicide – he even wrote a note to Jael. It also tells the story of a young woman who wished she had heard these words herself when she was journeying through depression, self-harm and loneliness.
How did Lee and Jael meet? Through Facebook. Jael’s Mom posted the Unconditional you tube video on the Going Blue 4 U page. I was instantly entranced, and started researching this beautiful young woman.
The evening ended with an intimate outpouring of honesty, loving support, vulnerability and courage. As people shared their own personal experiences with depression, no one said “just get over it,” everyone was empathetic, accepting and kind. New bonds of friendship and support were created.
Finding Support on Twitter
Fast forward to 24 hours later, I feel compelled to check my Twitter feed and see this:
“Kinda tough to keep the spirits high when people keep hitting at me & harshing my mellow.”
I respond with this:
“You are a beautiful gift to this world – leave the naysayers behind 
” (image included to the left)
The receiver tweets this:
“You’ve no idea how badly I needed that smile, Lee. Thank you so much 
”
“You are welcome… Here is a post for you sweetie – be sure to watch the videos.” I reply.
“Loved it! Cannot thank you enough for sharing. My day shall now end on a much brighter note than it started on” replies the other lady.
Not long after I see this twitter post that the lady shared “Isn’t it wonderful how angels come to us when we most need them? Keep in mind, not all need wings to be considered angels ”
How Can You Find Support in the Least Expected Places?
- Be Open . . . Detach from the outcome, and allow others to serve you.
- Be Accepting . . . Receive, with full intention and attention to the gifts that are being presented to you.
- Be Honest . . . Be YOU; real, authentic you! Ask for what you need.
Let others in. Allow yourself the gift of receiving.
How Can You Give Support?
Show UP with kindness, love and gratitude. Live from this place. Stop and take a moment to notice what is going on around you. There is no act of kindness that is ever wasted.
An act of kindness can be as simple as:
- leaving a quarter in the shopping cart
- giving a stranger a warm smile
- taking a minute to let someone know you are thinking of them
What is one act of kindness you can commit to today that lets someone know they are supported?
