I need someone to just listen and confirm or affirm what I am saying. Recognize what this means to me, and acknowledge that you understand. Sometimes I have to resteer the boatand kick those negative thoughts to the curb. When I was younger, I might tell the same frustrations to several different people until I finally came to a point that I felt I was being heard. My hope is in my presence, my being, my fortitude, my example. I stand before you , 7 years out and counting. I don't do everything right, I still have my blue days and my doubts and insecurities and then I have to reroute my thoughts, turn to prayer and remember I don't have to carry this burden alone. That is the hope for me, I am not alone and someone bigger than me is working with me on my side and loving me through it all. I don't want to sound like an advertisement or the side of a cereal box! This is where I am at in my life. I have spent years helping others as it is my profession and nothing became clearer to me than when my kids were grown and out of the house and I found I couldn't fix things in their life for them anymore. The best I can do is be mom, listen, and support, and be there as they need me. Wow, full circle- exactly what I needed from my husband. I am not too proud to ask for a hug or just hold me or I just need you to listen for a bit without interruptions including TV, Telephone, etc. Listening is an art, something we all have to work to do better at, including myself. Once you are aware of it though, you can fine tune this skill. Active listening is being engaged and focused on the person and the conversation. Here in lies my hope and hopefully some insight for you and your relationships. In having shared this I know say, go out and make it a good day-it is just waiting for you.
S