You know how you select emails to read first – you receive so many that you scan to see which are the most important or what you consider to be the most interesting.
I received an email from a gal I have known for a while whom I respect, like and periodically communicate with. Not a BFF, but someone whose email I would always open because I know something of value is there and probably also pretty interesting.
She had recently lost her son and was writing to tell me how inspiring I have been to her over the years.
I think I held my breath for a long time when I read her news.
There is no way to lose a child and not have it break something in you permanently. My need and want at that moment was to somehow be as close as I could to let her know I cared.
For anyone who has experienced a loss like this, there are no words that can make it better. However, there are many actions you can take to help with the grief and pain. Letting someone know you care is the biggest first step in being a part of their healing process.
My astonishment in receiving her email came from her sharing with me the inspiration she has received from me over the years. She took the time, in her grief, to share with me how my words and actions have mattered to her. Not only mattered, but inspired her in many other situations where she needed to be supported and understood.
I think you can see why I was holding my breath.
She was taking care of me in her pain.
She reached out to speak to me…not knowing how very comforting her words are…how meaningful her actions are to me.
This is why I wanted to share this happening with you.
EVERYONE needs someone. Sometimes we do not have a clue in the world that we need and want to be given caring feedback. Her email to me highlighted a space in me that needed, wanted and deeply appreciated her words because my writing and support always comes from my heart and someone recognized that. Someone saw my true self and let me know they recognize my commitment to their success, performance, confidence and growth.
May I ask you to take a moment to share with someone that they inspired you and how and why. Your comments will create a lovely firestorm of gratitude…a space that gets warmed by you.
Don’t wait to tell someone how important they are to you…don’t wait.
To your success,
P.S. Debbie Ford wrote The Shadow Effect a groundbreaking book about our shadow side. It is compelling to be inspired to uncover the wisdom in your wounds, the blessings in your misfortunes, and the gifts that are waiting to be claimed where you may least expect them . . . in the dark. Click here.