I need a push in the right direction....

[Alice]

I first heard about this community back in December of 2009.  A month before that I had a miscarriage which....broke my heart, my spirit & changed who I was forever.  I thought the challenge of giving 29 gifts in 29 days would get my out of my head & turn my focus away from my pain.  I was wrong.  I wasn't ready.  So just over a year later, I've come back to this wonderful community in the desperate hope that I can find the inspiration I need to start giving.....because I'm sick of being in pain & I truly believe that this challenge will shift my focus from what I've lost.  It took me a while to get the courage to write this discussion because I didn't want to burden anyone & put this out there, but I guess that's what this community is for, support.  So, any advice & friendly push in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!  Much love to you all.  xxx

[Mary Johnson]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Alice.  But, I'm happy to hear your healing has reached the point that you've decided it was time to come back and try again. One of the hardest things for any of us to do is share our darkest moments and seek support.  I don't know why that is, since that's when we need each other the most.  I appreciate that this site makes it easier to do so, not only because of the life-shifting challenge, but because of the wealth of wonderful people here - all kindred spirits. 

Sharing your story isn't a burden in the least - we wouldn't be here "talking" if Cami hadn't shared her's, and look where that led!  I trust over the next 29 days other members will find your journey a huge support to them. 

To address your request for a push in the right direction, may I suggest that you look close to home and listen to your heart.  Is there something you haven't done for someone else in a long time because of your sadness?  A cup of tea, a favorite meal, a phone call, a thank you card. Take the first step and the next 28 will fall into place.  If not, you've got 13,500 friends here to cheer you on.

You are a gift, Alice.  Thank you for sharing your story.

[Linda]

First of all, my sincere sympathy for your miscarriage. I've never suffered a miscarriage personally, but know many others who have and know that it affects each person very differently. Obviously, it has and continues to be a source of great pain and suffering for you, but only you will be able to find your way through these feelings. I don't particularly like the phrase "Time heals all wounds"; you are forever changed by your experience, but I do think time can soften the intensity of your pain if you're ready.

I admire your bravery to return to this community and to put this very personal discussion topic out there. A burden? Absolutely not! I'm a bit concerned about your phrase about coming back "in the desperate hope that I can find the inspiration I need to start giving"-possibly the only helpful comment I can think of is to start with the most simple of gifts (perhaps just a smile, a thank you, a compliment for anyone you come into contact with) and see where that takes you. If you read enough of other's posts here, it seems to be fairly consistent that experiences just seem to flow without having to put much pressure on yourself.

I do find that focusing on others does offer some respite and diversion from one's own personal difficulties. Hope you also find this to be true for you-I'll be interested in reading about where this journey takes you.

XOXO

[Deb~ Community Manager]

I am so very sorry for your loss Alice.. I am so happy you have decided to come back to us. We are a very loving and caring community that will be here for you with open arms and hearts. You are never a burden. We love and support one another and love to be able to help in any way we can. Don't try too hard. Try the simple gives first and as the days go by the giving will become easier. You have already given yourself the gift of coming back here to us.. Please let us know if you need anything at all. We are here for you..xoxo

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Your loss touches my heart and know how very sorry I am.. This site and the loving community can truly help you in so many ways. If you need anything~ WE ARE HERE for you~ xoxo

[Linda]

Gosh, I just read your most recent post and was surprised to see that I had responded to you back in January of 2011-yes, absolutely, welcome back!  My experience has been to find out that most all of us are dealing with our own personal issues, but yes you will find that we are a most caring and forgiving community.

Write what you feel that you can, don't put undo pressure on yourself if you're not ready, if you feel up to giving, pare it down to the most basic and simplest of human kindness that presents itself in your world, and see where this journey takes you.

With love and great respect for the courage it takes to begin again......

XOXO

[Deb~ Community Manager]

How are you Dear Alice? Hope things are better for you.. xoxo