I am Here, and I Love You

It is the last day of the year, and for many, it is a time to reflect back on what we've learned in the past year, and look ahead to the coming year.

Some people make resolutions; others make revolutions (LOVED this article, BTW). While I have my resolutions/goals for the year (I'd like to wear a bikini this summer and feel good about it, continue to lower my sugar intake, have more patience with my son, and give my all to grad school), I realized that there was something much more important going on right now.

In talking to friends and family in the past few months, I realized that so many people I know are facing challenges right now.  Some are struggling with something public - a divorce/the end of a relationship, the illness/death of a loved one, a new job or home or career - while others have a more private struggle with mental illness or other "silent" diseases that others might not know about just by looking at them.

Either way, when you're sad, or angry, or frustrated, or weak, or sick, or scared, or many of these all at once, you feel alone in the world. Well-meaning people ask, "How are you," and you don't always feel like telling them how you actually feel, so you just say, "Fine," when you feel anything but fine.

We are such independent people. We don't like to ask for help. We don't even like to admit to ourselves that we need help sometimes.

But all of us need support and love and to know that someone cares.

Yesterday, I posted a generic post on Facebook, shared from someone else, to show my support for everyone who is fighting an "invisible illness."  But I want to go beyond posting something on my Facebook wall. I want to reach out to everyone I know who is having a tough time right now. I want to say to you, I am here, and I love you.

I am here, and I love you.

These are simple words, but they have great power.

My life is good right now. But when I have had dark days, having someone say, "I'm here for you" has meant the world to me. Having someone say, "I love you" has meant the world to me.

Even if you're good, in general, but there is just one thing that is out of whack in your life, I am here, and I love you.

Even writing those words lightens my heart, because I know I have people who love me and support me. So pass it on. Tell a friend you're there for them. Smile at a stranger (especially the mom whose child is having a tantrum in the middle of Target). Say in words, or actions, that you care.