“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ~ C.S. Lewis
A part of the quote above strikes me every time I read it.
The most read blogs are where I share stories of my journey that resonate with others’ experiences. It is those spaces where you can identify in some way due to something within your life’s events. In those sometimes sacred spaces, we live out what CS Lewis said many years ago…” what? You too? I thought I was the only one.”
We are meant to grow together and learn from our shared experiences. We are meant to share our joys, sorrows, struggles, and hardships. And yet, we live at such a frantic pace it is difficult to do this. It is hard to create trusting friendships and know how to invite people into those vulnerable spaces.
It is fascinating to recognize where genuine connection occurs. Consider how you might invite authentic conversation in 2024. Give some thought to areas you might be navigating where others might also be able to identify with. I will give you some topics you could create a conversation around.
Insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, caring for aging parents, advocating for a child with special needs, mental illness, faith, illness for you or a loved one, friendships for you or your children, how you experience changes in today’s world, how to engage (not solve) food insecurity or care for the under or non-insured? There is always getting to know your neighbors, daily acts of kindness, work/life balance, personal discipline struggles or victories, and many other areas.
Remain curious and open to sharing your story, and don’t forget to ask a question; don’t just fill all spaces with your voice.
I am grateful to know I am not alone in this journey of living,
Trish
