I have a few friends that keep concern for me. They sometimes ask hard questions. They mostly just check in. This whole bloggy thing gained momentum when I started saying the things that we are all thinking. Not just that life gets hard, but that most of us are faking our way through it. That this is okay. That we should work on it without dwelling and adding to it. That everyone struggles. 

The friends are sometimes just checking in because that’s what friends do. Some are unconvinced that I’m doing as well as I purport, despite that being the case. This is also good. It makes me really take a look and face the realities of where I am. Make real adjustments if I need to. To be honest. 

Yesterday I found a test run of a podcast idea and listened with an open mind. I of course  used a critical ear to the meter and tone, the enthusiasm or forced dramatic affect. I’m no actor, so reading aloud sounds different than the way it does in our heads (this is a subject for a full post) so the delivery is more crucial to the point than you’d think. I listened on and really did enjoy it. I’ll keep pushing on this. Thanks to another friend. 

I have a habit of reaching out to people out of the blue. If I am driving down the road and I have a thought about you, a memory, a wonder, I send you a text at the next stoplight, or maybe even, god forbid, while I’m driving, lest the thought disappear before the next light. I think it’s incredibly important. To let people know you’re thinking of them. That you care. A seemingly throwaway gesture can re route a person’s day and that’s a great thing to do. Simple. “Hey, remember that time...” or “I miss you and hope you’re having a great day.” Being that friend is easy. You should do it more. 

The human impact is something I feel we should all try and do a little more of. The street isn’t one way here. It feels good to check in with those we love/like/tolerate. It can widen the eyes of the recipient and if we allow it, let us gain a little joy on the giving side. In a world of wants, the power of giving can get lost. Maybe today take that :20 to reach out to a friend. To say hello. To check in. To give a little and in turn, to receive, likely a lot. 

The world changes in instants and everyone is struggling. Everyone needs “that friend.”

#hugsandhi5s