Thursday, July 28, 2011

A little help from my friends

My last post, the one about my mind being a dangerous neighborhood in matters of health, got more comments than anything else I've written. Last evening I asked my sister to read all 30 comments (hers was the first post). Her response was, "And I thought we were the only ones."

It's easy to think I'm alone in the world in what I think about and what's happening in my life. Unless I tell my friends. Then I get a little help. No. A lot of help.

In our blogging community, friends are close by. If they have opinions they usually comment. In the case of my health issue, I heard recommendations for everything from getting a second opinion, to going to physical therapy, to getting out of my head. I heard from people who spend too much useless time in their own minds, and from others who "don't pay it no mind." Everyone responded with compassion. Not just for my back issue, but for my dangerous neighborhood. I got a lot of help from my blogging friends.

One evening this week I went to my writers group. We're three to six women who met several years ago in writing classes at a University of Washington extension program. We started out meeting as writers - and some of us still write - but we have become more of a bonded group of friends. In our conversation this week, one of us talked about a recent family trip and a current business challenge. One talked about the recent death of her father-in-law and the role of women in marriages to men who travel extensively. One talked about an upcoming sale of her family home and a move to a condo. We know we can trust each other. That we can talk and others will listen and respond, or just listen. I get a lot of help from my writer friends.

I write this post on my computer, in my house, looking out at my deck and the alder and cedar trees on our property. Physically I am alone, but mentally and emotionally I feel surrounded by friends I've met and friends I haven't yet.

Today I feel connected. I get by with a lot of help from my friends.

14 comments:

Beth said...

I can't begin to tell you how much my blogging family has stood by my side the past years. They have seen me through heartache and the good times. I love them all.

I am happy Linda, to have you in my blogging family!

Sally Wessely said...

You hit the nail on the head. I truly don't know what I would have done this past year without my blogging friends. I count you among them.

I gain strength through them. I know I am not alone. Others are also going through trials. I learn from them. I am inspired. I feel the connection.

You are an amazing woman. You do so many things. Your writers group sounds like just the group I am looking for. I would have loved to be there to discuss those topics.

I agree with Beth. I'm happy that you are a part of my blogging family, community, group, whatever you want to call it. Hey, blogging is cheaper than therapy and may be more beneficial. :)

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Sally, you've got that right: support from the blogging community is cheaper and probably more beneficial than therapy (sad to say!) I'm so glad you've felt supported by your blogging friends, Linda! It can be rough when you're not feeling physically well and also feeling in a dangerous place emotionally. But you're not alone and I hope knowing that -- as evidenced by those 30 comments -- continues to bring you comfort and hope.

Sandi said...

I couldn't agree more. I truly get by with help from my friends. Opening myself up to others through blogging has changed my life. Suddenly, I am no longer so isolated and alone. I receive advice, encouragement, compassion, support, and what I receive just makes me want to give back.
Thanks for expressing yourself so well and sharing.

Olga said...

Sometimes my family members will make comments about my "imaginary friends" but, really, there is something to this virtual world that connects us to people we would otherwise not have any kind of connection with--like minds.

DJan said...

Yes, the blogosphere is a real place with real benefits for all of us. I think we are no longer separated from those who can help us because we can articulate our needs and let the feedback begin... :-)

It cannot help but change me when I ask and receive.

June said...

Does make you feel a little like the Velveteen Rabbit, doesn't i?

Out on the prairie said...

it is nice to have an extended family and friends. I have made many new ones this week, but always look forward hearing from my followers.

Dee said...

Linda, after 38 years in one state, I've moved to another and finding a community of kindred spirits is proving difficult. So I truly understand your appreciation of a blogging community.

Only recently have I begun to blog and to read other blogs. I'm so thrilled when I meet someone through comments. Being welcomed into this community of bloggers is a blessing. I'm glad for both you....and me.

Anonymous said...

Blogging is the best thing I have done for myself since I retired. I've met some wonderful people I like to think of as friends. I have enjoyed reading your blog and your candid thoughts. You are right, you are not alone. Dianne

#1Nana said...

I guess we really are alone, together.

Rita said...

Just goes to show that people can support each other just with kind words and open hearts--even over cyberspace. ;)

Blog friends. A new and wondrous thing. :)

Jenn Flynn-Shon said...

You are amazing Linda and I really hope that one day we have the chance to meet out from behind the monitor & keyboard! Friends in this universe are something else, I have never felt so loved and supported no matter what I'm going through, good times or bad. And its always nice to read when my friends are experiencing things that I've gone through but didn't talk about, it makes us know that none of us are alone. I'm happy to call you a friend!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

"Physically I am alone, but mentally and emotionally I feel surrounded by friends I've met and friends I haven't yet."

That says a great deal right there.