When You Need a Friend…

(Note to readers: This was originally a post on Facebook, but it got such a response from friends who needed to hear it, I figured I should share here, too.  If you need a friend, please, by all means, reach out to someone–me if you prefer–and know you are not alone.)

I have some friends struggling with so much right now…whether it’s a parent’s death, a child off track, or a general funk in life…so, if you are among them, I want you to know you are not alone. This stuff is hard some days…some weeks…some months…but eventually, you will come out the other side. I feel like my funk started in 2009 with my dad’s illness, a massive salary cut, reality in relationships and so much more. And yes, it’s been 7 years…7 years of some serious shit (I don’t know what else to call it, sorry)…there has been good, too, don’t get me wrong, but I wouldn’t want to repeat these past several years. Guess my takeaway is to just keep going…the sun is coming up over that horizon…grab your happy wherever it is (even if it’s mint Girl Scout cookies) and don’t let anyone take it (ahem, even your kiddos)… scream when you have to, cry when you need to, and by all means, dance all night when you can, because you can. Hate to get all cliche on you, but feel what you feel when you feel it…and if you’re going through Hell, keep on going. Call a friend when you need one, and if you think you don’t have one, call me. There are only 2 or 3 people I wouldn’t call back (look, I never said I was an angel). 678.520.1988. xo

(Yes–I know there are some who find me foolish for sharing my phone number publicly, so please don’t make me regret my kindness by abusing it. I’m nice, but have my limits with mean people.)