What we feel vs what we know

 

If there’s one thing guaranteed to get me thinking, it’s a Jamie Tworkowski TWLOHA blog. After reading lots more this year than normal about Thanksgiving, his blog left me the most ‘thankful’.

As nothing creative is original, here is my take on what I feel vs what I know. If you read it perhaps you could share a feel vs know of your own…

 

I feel scared of being alone.

I feel like everyone else is getting married, buying houses and having children…while I think about break-ups and affording my rent. I feel like I should be doing those other things instead.

I feel like I might not have enough to offer. I feel scared one person might not be enough for another.

I feel like failure follows me.

I feel sad all too often and forget to feel happy.

I feel I could be better...but I don’t know how.

I feel too much and it all piles up on my heart like a lead weight.

 

But what is true?

What do I know?

 

I know that a wonderful man, and his amazing children, have welcomed me into their life and seem keen for me to stay there. I’m more grateful than they could imagine.

I know that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.

I know that I impact the lives of young people everyday by showing them I care and I want them to succeed. I know that for one or two of them, I’ll make a positive difference, and that responsibility humbles me.

I know that I am blessed with the most supportive, loving parents anybody could hope for. Plus a brother who I know will turn my worst confessions into hugs and a pint.

I have a group of loyal friends that regularly forgive my lack of attentiveness.

I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, a job I enjoy at least 80% of the time.

I know that people are magic. We can bend and bend but we snap back into shape eventually.

I am healthy and (relatively!) young. A lot of people would be more than happy with my life.

 

“So do not despair.
For there is more than what we feel.
There are things missing in every single room.
But there is even more not missing.

So don't be blinded by the ghosts.
Don't let them glow brighter than your friends.
Don't let them glow brighter than your family.

Be present.
Fight to be present.
Don't live only in your head.
It's lonely and it's dangerous.

Put your phone down for a few hours every day.

Talk to people. Look someone in the eyes and be honest and invite them to do the same.

Read a good book and watch a great film and put a song on repeat and remember who you are. Keep dreaming all your dreams. And perhaps, as well, some new ones.

Go to counselling if you need to go to counselling.
Take your own advice.
Take care of yourself.
Take care of the people that you love.
Tell them that you love them.

There is much to be thankful for.” Jamie Tworkowski

 

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. Happy Thanksgiving to my non-American friends.

Happy Thursday xxx