The Door is Open
Recently I met up with someone who I have seen on enough occasions to feel that we are more than acquaintances although not quite friends. I walked across the room to where they were, and said that I hadn’t seen them around much, and hoped that things were going well. They replied about how unappreciated they feel by so many in their life. They said that they are doing a lot of soul searching and re-evaluation, and as a result they have decided to close the door and keep their distance from pretty much everybody, until the time when people start to appreciate them in the way that they need.
I very well remember times when I was feeling down and alone. How I wished that people could just read my mind and intuit what I needed, but since I didn’t know what I needed myself, how could I expect that they could?
The words I need you and how can I help you are important any time of the year, but especially so during the holiday season when some may feel sad and alone.
I issued an invitation to come over. The door is open.
Love to you all,
Kate
I find that people are such users …it’s hard to find that true friend…so nice of you to open that door..we all need a friend…
I hope that we can be that friend when needed, and that there is someone for us when we are in need.
God bless you, Sweet Kate. ❤️
To you as well.
I agree. Unless you have something to offer that someone else needs they don’t bother. I have lived here for 10 years and made some acquaintances but no friends. I have watched my older friends who seem to be able to make friends easily only to see that those people just wanted what ever talent they had for their own needs and gave back nothing. One is a retired Vet so you can guess what they wanted from him.
This post just hurts my heart. And the comment, about people being users…… that I do not understand. I do not get used, I do not use and I do not see ‘users’ around me. I do see people who are hurting, people who need someone to lift them up, so I do little things in my own little way. Like at the begining of the moth, there is a craft fair I LOVE to go to every year, and for the last few of them, I pay for someone else’s admittance – in secret!! Except for this year: I looked at the lady behind me (I was with 4 people) and asked her if she was there alone. She said yes, she was. So I laughed, and said “Well, now you are with us!!” and paid for her way in! She wanted to give me the money she had in her hand, I hugged her and told her to save that for her coffee later. You need to be what you want to see I guess. For me, paying the way in for others at this fair, is my secret Santa gift to start the season!! And since I usually do not know who gets the ‘gift’ it is fun for me to know that someone in the place, got in for ‘free’!!!!
I am glad your door is open Kate!! Merry Christmas, and may you get many visitors this year and in the new one.
I’ve been thinking about the exchange so much, Brenda, and have shed a few tears over it, too. What a wonderful story yours is, and a perfect way to start the season!
Sad….. I guess I am fortunate to not worry if I am appreciated or not. As I tell my kids” to have a good friend … you have to be a good friend.”
So true.
It is so sad to hear this – by closing the door, you almost guarantee that it will be twice as difficult to open it again later. I hope that’s not the case. I hope your invitation (typically lovely and loving) helps her or him to see that the way to have good people in your life is to let them in, not close them out. Yes, there are people who don’t appreciate – or at least don’t SAY so – but if you keep trying, keep giving, you will find yourself among other giving people who will help you to feel appreciated. I hope this person doesn’t give up. There are lots of selfish people in the world, of course, there are more giving and good people.
Julie- Keeping that door open is important. I agree totally that there are more giving and caring people in the world.
Your posts seem to come at just the right time-holidays are a challenge for me as it marks the time of year of my greatest loss-my son.
Today I read this quote that has me rethinking my life and the direction in which I should head:
“Live the life that you wanted for him”
He was so kind, artistic and talented. He wanted to keep traveling the world. He lived in Brooklyn, went to galleries and was a designer and art director.
So, I will be kinder, be gentler, and keep creating. And as he always did-think of others. Happy Holidays to you all.
Dear Sandy- I am so very sorry for your loss. I know he must be so happy that you will “live the life you wanted for him.” Many blessings to you on the way. xo
I truly believe all of us should be kind and have compassion when we come upon a troubled soul. Each of us walks our own path and each of us reacts to what we encounter in our own way. A smile and an open invitation to “come in… I’m here for you are “ even if not used but just heard can help a weary spirit.
Bless you Kate and may you and yours have a wonderful new year.
Sally,
This is a beautiful comment, and so full of truth. Throughout our lives, we all will experience highs and lows, and being kind to those who are suffering can help them navigate through the sadness. Kate, you are a special soul to recognize just what this person needed at just the right time.
All the joys of the season to you and yours.
Kate,
Baked goods open all doors!
Am now embarking on my annual campaign of baking savory cookies, which have the twin virtues of provoking conversation annnnnd delivering crunchy buttery comfort.
You’re the best Kate!
🙂