In a world where you can be anything, be kind

I wasn't going to do a post today but sometimes words just come to me and I want to write them down and I want to share.  It has been a weekend where everyone has been shocked and saddened by the news that Caroline Flack felt she had no option but to take her own life.  Midlife is a particularly difficult time for women with depression and anxiety one of the more common symptoms during peri-menopause.  Here are my thoughts on things we should all remember, let's support each other.
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​Remember ...

​Everyone has struggles no one else can possibly know.

Know that a smile can be false, hiding an inner turmoil.

Ask for help.  I am the last to ask for help, I help everyone else first.  But I'm learning.

Have more compassion for other peoples feelings, for what they might be hiding and why.

Don't shut down, talk, share, give your family, friends and loved ones a chance to help.

Forgive.

Listen.

Don't give up, on yourself or on someone you love.

Be honest, be true to yourself.

Don't judge. 

​Don't think you know what someone else is thinking.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

It is never too late to show you care.

It is never too late to say sorry.

In the fickle world of social media it is too easy to judge someone or make assumptions.  Something upset me yesterday and I messaged a blogger friend to ask for her advice, she took the time to help me even though it was a Sunday and she was busy with her own family.  She was able to reassure me.  It took courage for me to ask her but I am so glad I did.  It was a simple thing but made a huge difference to me.

I have gone back to writing my #3goodthings in a journal every night.  It is therapeutic and makes me stop and think about my day.  It helps me see that there are good things in my life even if not every day is good.

As I am about to embark on an emptier nest I have lots to think about, to plan and to be excited for.  I have lots to look forward to.  I want to embrace this next phase of my life and find meaningful things to do, find opportunities that I had never considered before.  At the moment, I have no idea what these might be! But hey I am going to love finding out.
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​That's all really.  I understand.

Love from
Michelle xx
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