Sunday, February 21, 2010

Living Life Amid the Thorns

Ah, blessed Saturday evening!  Thankfully my sweet one and I got our errrands done early today, and decided instead of going out, we'd just hang at home.  After spending about an hour returning things to their rightful place in the studio, I decided it was time to try to "catch up" on some of my favorite blogs.  (Does anyone else feel sad when the Google Reader toolbar says "434"-- meaning there are 434 posts I haven't caught up on yet?)  So many people I want to visit, so little time! 

One of my biggest problems in blogland,  I think, is that I get so easily sidetracked.  I'll start by reading one of my favorites, and then I just have to stop and comment.  (I'm one of those who STRONGLY believes in positive encouragement and reinforcement.)  Next thing I know, I've noticed someone else's clever or insightful comment, and I have to just "take a quick peek" to see who she is.  I tiptoe lightly over to her blog, and then it happens all over again!  I HAVE to comment on what she's so courageously shared (we are sharing our hearts and souls here!)  Next thing you know.....   You get the idea.  And so, 2 hours later, I'm down to "433" and have found 3 new blogs to "Follow"! 

I came across the wonderful blog of a gal who lives right here in my own area (Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex).  Ordinarily, I'd love to share her with you, but I don't want to overstep.   She mentioned in one of her posts that she had been feeling blue lately (largely in part to an infection she'd been overcoming AND the winter gray skies.)  She also commented about a loved one accusing her of throwing a "pity party" and it just broke my heart.  As someone who struggles with depression (and Seasonal Affective Disorder), I could SO feel her pain. 

At that moment, I just had to stop and send her a personal email letting her know that I can empathize.  I've dealt with depression for many years now and a few months ago, I too, was recovering from a serious infection.  The antibiotics can really reak havoc on your emotions! 

Then, because I STILL felt like I really wanted her to KNOW that she was understood and valued ('cause, really, isn't that what we all want?), I thought, "I'll just create a quick digital collage with a quote I like for her to print and hang."  Well, if you're anything like me, "quick" is a word that is incongruous with "create".  Another 2 hours later, I finished my small 5x7 collage and attached it to my email. 

I'm not trying to "boast" or say what a good person I am or anything.  Not at all!  I hope it doesn't come across that way.  I just SO know how alone one can feel at times due to illness, tragedy, or circumstances beyond our control.  I'm so thankful for my blogging community that gives me the opportunity to connect with others who are going through tough things, too.  It allows me the opportunity to forget about my worries and focus on caring for another, if but only in a small way.

Live Collage meant to print as 5x7 or smaller.

6 comments:

  1. Cheryl, I am happy to have the opportunity to say that your comments on my blog are so appreciated. I too drift in and out of depression and am certainly not Miss Positive. But I do leave lots of comments to encourgae people. When you put your life out here in the Land of Blog it is so nice to see that people care and connect, laugh or love. Thanks for stumbling across my blog and doing that for me.

    Your collage is beautiful and I just know it made a difference to Depressed in Dallas.

    Big hug...

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  2. Adore this post! Encouragement is always welcome...and why not? I am so happy you visited my little niche in blogland so that I could sneak off in your direction. That's pretty much how it goes...blogland is such a colorful, informative place. Have a wonderful week! ~ Angela

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  3. I love that you are you.

    Beautiful collage, by the way.

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  4. Bonjour Cheryl,
    Just wanted tos top by and thank you for all your kind comments on my blog. You have a beautiful blog, this post reminds us all of how special people are in blogland. It is amazing how many wonderful friends I have met.

    About your comment on letting my honey share his side of the story...hmmm don't think I could convince hime to do that - but you never know!

    I'll be following along and will be back soon!

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  5. Cheryl,
    Yours is the first blog I read this morning & wow, very thought provoking. I do the same thing, when I see a comment I want to jump back to say thanks & then I am reading old posts & looking at their blogroll.....same thing. I love what you said about encouragement. And you are right on with depression. There is no lonelier feeling in the world than depression. No matter what or where you feel like you are the only person in the world, all alone. I've had my struggles & it is not a pity party, it's painful & real. My bought with depression came from a long time illness & I thought the sun would never shine again. A kind word & support is so important. You are a good person Cheryl, keep up the good work. And I'm very happy to meet you. Lisa

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  6. Hi Cheryl, wow girl... you really hit the nail on the head when you told me what you love about blogging. I was blown away. I think that's the best comment ever!!!! I'm so happy you entered my giveaway and I look forward to getting to know you better.

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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