I went to church today and it was one of those days that I felt the homily was just for me, which believe me, doesn’t happen often. It was about the fact that nobody has to make this journey called life alone. As a person who often questions my faith, it was nice to feel that connection today. It was important to be reminded that through prayer and my faith I can find strength. But, there was also a strong message about community and that we are all here for each other, connected somehow. We do not have to deal with life’s hardships on our own. Together, we can make it up the mountain or through the valley, with support.
A friend of mine who is currently on her own grief journey, recently shared with me that she has a Connections Journal. A friend gave her a beautiful journal with hand-made paper. She didn’t feel like journaling; it would take too much effort, and I imagine bring up too many emotions at this time. Instead, she turned it into a Connections Journal. She quickly writes the connections she has had with people during the day – a lunch or a phone call from a friend, a kind smile from a clerk at the store, a thoughtful message through Facebook or a reconnection with an old acquaintance. I thought it was such a wonderful idea. It is a blessings book filled with the people who have touched her life to let her know she is not alone.
It is a reminder to all of us to BE KIND! Smile at the person in the line in front of you or walking by on the sidewalk. Or reach out to an old friend. As they say, you never know what someone else is going through, and your small act of kindness may end up in his or her Connections Journal.
It is easy when one has a disability to get discouraged and feel alone. I love the idea of a “Connections Journal” to help count the blessings brought by the people I encounter daily. Find the ability to make that connection!
Finding Abilities 