women supporting women

Hi friends ~ I know it's been awhile since I've written a blog post. It's been a busy month for me and I'm also consciously working on limiting my time online and on social media. I find that's much better for my peace of mind and anxiety.

This month has been filled - gloriously filled - with the company and encouragement of my women friends.

There have been coffee dates, patio-sitting/talking, gatherings around backyard fire pits with smoked maple bourbon and wine (separate events; we're not total lushes 😉) and...

a trip to a local pumpkin farm.

I belong to a women's circle where we meet at the start of every season. For the past nine years that I've been in this circle, there has been nothing but love and support for one another. We have all bared our souls to one another, have seen each other through divorce and loss and grief and illness; caring for elderly parents and relocation and job loss and problems with children. We have cried together and held each other while doing so. But oh...the laughter and the love. That is what sustains us.

When I told this circle of women that this week was going to especially hard because of a dentist appointment (I have dental phobia) but much more importantly, because of my son, Philip's death anniversary date on September 25th, I have received an outpouring of love and support via text and/or email every single day this week. 

The difference these messages have made in how I'm coping this week are nothing short of amazing. At first, I was hesitant to share my needs with this circle of women. I'm not used to doing that. I don't want to impose on anyone and I've never been one to like a lot of attention. I'm more the quiet one in a group (I'm an INFJ) and used to absorbing everyone else's energy and emotions. I guess I finally felt safe and secure enough to share what I needed without feeling too vulnerable.

I currently am seeing a female physical therapist for a medical condition. She is not only super intelligent in her field and has helped me physically, but she is super compassionate. When I explained to her at my visit today about what happened at my last physician's appointment, she was appalled. She actually told me that she wants to accompany me (if she can rearrange her schedule) to my next physician's appointment (it's a minor procedure) since she knows a bit more about my physiological condition than they do. She wants to be my advocate. Can you believe it?! Talk about going above and beyond the call of duty! I did call the physician's office today and get permission for her to accompany me to the appointment, due to COVID. 

The world is so topsy-turvy right now. COVID, hurricanes and wildfires, the upcoming election, riots and protests, police brutality: all have taken their toll on our mental well-being. Anxiety and depression have sky-rocketed in our country. We all need each other ~ and to meet each other with love and compassion ~ more than ever. 

I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the love of my friends, including the friends I've made here through my blog. 

Women supporting women.

💓