Comfort without context
This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for comfort without context.
I shared last week that I was grateful for space for disappointment, which was very true, although I didn’t go into the details. I rarely do in these messages to you, because the details feel less important than the feelings.
(Plus, rather than get distracted by the specifics of my experience, I’d prefer you apply my words to your own situation.)
And still, last week I was feeling disappointed, and so many of you offered comfort without context.
What a gift that is! I promise I wasn’t fishing for sympathy—in fact, after I started receiving multiple replies and offers of support, I felt a bit embarrassed. Had I gone too far with my email? Did it sound like I was struggling? (God forbid someone struggles!)
I asked my spouse, and he admitted that yes, my message sounded “kinda sad.”
Oops. Oh well. But also thank you?
The thing is, by the time it was #thankyouthursday, I had mostly adjusted to the week’s disappointments. I probably would not have written what I did if I were feeling super raw. (Although then again, maybe I would have?) In any case, receiving an outpouring of comfort was welcome all the same.
Sometimes I fantasize about sending mass texts that just say something like, “Prayers please.” Or, “Send a hug?” I know I’d be delighted to respond to such outreach, no context necessary.
It’s pretty cool to feel sure that you would, too.
Love > fear,
Christina