While I was away…
Hi! Is anyone out there?
I’ve been away and I wish I could say it was for an epic summer trip but alas, it was definitely not. Medical emergencies, sick kiddos, and the World Cup have been the cause of my absence; which does not excuse my lack of attention to you lovely humans but I sure do know that you all won’t hold that against me.
My son turned 1 on Monday and although he’s my second kiddo to reach this milestone, it hit me harder than the first. Postpartum also hit me harder than the first - THAT was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through and I want to talk about it. Postpartum depression engulfed my body and soul and it was determined to leave me there to die but somehow I crawled, kicked, and fought my way out of it. Up until recently, I was full of anger and resentment - not towards anybody in particular but maybe at the world? How dare the world not be supportive and uplifting? How dare the world continue to spew out hate when what we need the most right now is love? I later realized that one of the sayings I had heard the most while growing up would be the answer (kinda) to these questions and feelings I was having.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Without writing my memoir out for you all to read in this one post, I will say that I’ve been through some pretty horrible things in my life that I never thought I’d recover from, and despite it all, I am still here and I am stronger because of it. My goal is not to preach or to set unrealistic expectation for yourself in the midst of this crazy life, not at all! Instead, I ask you this - are you showing up for others in the way that you want them to show up for you? If the answer is no, that’s so real. Like I said, i’m not here to judge or preach but I will say this: Do you think that you have it in you to be the change? Be the friend that plans the birthday parties, the one that throws the BBQs, the one that just invites people over for drinks and bonfire (not applicable in this heat but y’know to each their own!) Just start showing up and showing out because at the end of the day, those who value and treasure that quality in you will be the kind of friends you want in your life.
As an older Gen Z, we grew up in the “in between” as I like to call it. In between being totally immersed in technology while also knowing that when the street lights come on, it’s time to head inside and eat dinner. Over the years I’ve seen that community is hard to find; or at least there is an illusion to people my age that there isn’t a community for them. I’m here to tell you that there is a community here for you and for me and for your friends and for your family!
How do you all celebrate your community and do you have any favorite community events that you think deserve more love? Let me know and as always, let’t talk soon!
