As a stay-at-home-mom, I often turn to social media as a means of, well, socializing. It’s a challenge to talk on the phone, even for a few minutes, so it’s easier to pick up my phone, scroll through a few photos or status updates and then I can just as easily put my phone down to see to the needs of my children.
For the most part, I have enjoyed reconnecting with ‘friends’ who I had previously lost contact with. When I reflect on these people, few were, by definition, true friends from high school. Not because they were disloyal, but because we never held any sort of true conversation or had an actual relationship. They were people I said, ‘hello’ to in the hallway, shared class notes with, or ran with on the track team. I am so thankful that life gave me a second chance to become friends with some really amazing people. I wish I had given more people a chance in high school. I desperately wish that I had valued every single person who came into my life. I have found a way to build a relationship now. I’ve focused on that common thread and built as deep of a friendship as possible without even physically seeing these people. If I can do that now as an adult with the ridiculous amount of responsibilities I have, then I certainly could have worked harder at building true friendships with more people while in high school. For those of you in high school right now, I implore you to reach out and build a friendship with someone who you initially judged to be too different from you to be a friend.
Image credit: To Write Love On Her Arms; via rabonramblings.wordpress.com
With the recent death of comedian Robin Williams and now the devastating news of Matthew Lyzen’s body being recovered, I cannot press the issue enough that each life is precious. I firmly believe the more that we reach out and build relationships and friendships the more we can combat depression and ultimately suicide. If we continue to live in our bubbles, to judge others’ actions and act out in anger, then we only contribute to the pain others feel. Do your part and smile instead of frown, overlook the other driver who cut you off, and give grace to the waitress who mixed up your order. Lift others up. Build relationships with people in your life, reach out and connect with new and old friends alike. This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. You can support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by checking out Sevenly’s website or donating to the charity outright.
My deepest condolences to those who have lost someone they love from suicide.
About Meghan Zeile