You Are Enough

On the heels of two tragic celebrity suicides, I don’t doubt that all of you have seen your social media feeds flooded with this message.  However, I think every person with a platform should be sharing.  While I know many of you, I don’t know all of you.  And I  don’t know your individual struggles.  I hope that I bring light, happiness and encouragement to my corner of the internet every day.  Today I just want to continue spreading the message that so many others are sharing right now: You are enough.  If you think you are not, there is help.  

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number  1-800-273-8255

I had a first hand experience with this at the beginning of the school year – with an 11 year old child.  It wasn’t a child that I personally know and is not something that I should share the details of but I was very concerned with what this individual was posting on social media.  My first instinct was – get help.  My second was – don’t get involved.  I hate to even admit that, but I think that tends to be a pervasive train of thought.  I contacted the school and the counselor replied back within minutes on a Saturday morning.  She wanted to talk.  The doubt was still there – I didn’t want to get involved because I didn’t know the child or parents or anything about the situation and I was sure I was over-reacting.  BUT I DID.  I don’t know what happened, it isn’t any of my business, but I do know that it was much more serious than I had imagined.  I share this only to say, get involved.  As my dear friend Marissa shared…

Keep your eyes, ears and heart open.  Check on each other.  Tell you kids to check on each other.

I was cleaning out my photos on my phone today and came across this.  I was in Whit’s classroom back in December and saw this reminder he had written himself on a post-it and stuck to his desk.   I asked him about it and he said he just wanted to remember some of the things he’s doing good at and not forget to keep doing good at them.

What I’m doing well

  • Not rushing on everything
  • Having a good attitude a lot of the time
  • Being nice to everybody

You know this makes me so proud.  A lot can be learned from our kids.  I also love that he is realistic and therefore his goals are attainable.  He’s given himself a little room to mess up.  A little grace.  Some things he might rush on.  Some times he might have a bad attitude.  That’s okay.  He’s aiming for good.  <3

Let’s all be kinder to everyone.  Even to ourselves.

DIXIE DELIGHTS DELIVERED

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12 thoughts on “You Are Enough

  1. If only every child of every age had that written on their desk……..my heart breaks for those who feel they have no hope….My daughter has suffered from anxiety for many years…it was only when she got in college did she recognize what it was and ask for help. As parents we had no idea her internal struggles…but she reached out, we got help and then she in turn has shared her own story multiple times in church, in sorority meetings and in public gatherings….every time she shares, some one comes up to her and says “oh my, I feel the same way..and I need help” or a mom will come up to me and say “I think my child suffers from anxiety/depression/etc. what did you do as a mom to help”…so more openness, more potential avenues of help, and more brave moms like you who are willing to intervene can make a difference.

  2. I agree with the above comment. It is through sharing our struggles that others learn, and feel like they aren’t alone. My mother suffers from depression, anxiety and now some memory loss. Being able to share that with others not only helps them, it helps me.

    1. God bless you, Lauren. My dear mother did too and I completely understand and will keep you in my prayers. I really hope I can meet you one of these days…as soon as we can talk Amanda into that sleepover. :-)

  3. This post is exactly why I’ve been a loyal reader of your blog for years Amanda, and why it’s still one of the only blogs I read regularly. Thank you for sharing Whit’s note. It’s an important reminder to celebrate what we all do well. I’m going to have my kids make this list today.❤

  4. Thank you for your note of inspiration! =)
    I have been a follower of your blog for quite a while and I enjoy your lovely posts!
    Whit’s notes are so sweet and encouraging.

    Have a great weekend!

  5. What a great post! I’m so glad you acted when your instincts told you something was wrong. You never know if your actions saved that child. I lost a beloved nephew and a good friend to suicide; one struggled with depression, the other with alcoholism. Both fought their battles for a long time, but in the end, their diseases took their lives. The only positive thing about these high profile suicides is that it increases awareness. I agree with the other posters, it’s a post like this that makes your blog so special.

  6. Thank you addressing this difficult subject. This past February my husband and I lost our long time physician to suicide. He was talented, smart, humorous and only 57 years old. He had a wonderful family and from outside appearances everything to live for. Patients who had seen him on Friday commented he appeared happy and his usual self.

    This seems to be the case for some who take their lives. They appear happy and normal on the outside while others may show warning signs. I pray those dealing with anxiety/depression and other mental issues will get the help they need and I often wonder if our doctor was afraid to reach out for help in fear of losing his job and medical license.

  7. Your message is very beautiful and strong, Amanda. “Political correctness” needs to be tossed in the trash sometimes and everyone needs to go back to good, old-fashioned caring. <3

  8. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your heart. This is exactly why I chose to “check” your blog today. You have inspired me to celebrate everything and not take things for granted. Sending hugs from Texas!

  9. I don’t know you and you don’t know me. I ended up on your blog years ago from a link from another one to a DIY or similar. I kept reading because I enjoyed your take and enthusiasm and style. I know your blog is not a true reflection of your whole life, just what you choose to show us, but I wanted to say: you do put light and love and joy out into the world.
    And for me personally, during some very dark times, your blog has been a fun comfort.
    Thank you for that.

  10. Whit’s post-it brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet, sweet boy. And it truly resonated–we should all be aiming for good, but allowing ourselves a little grace and not expecting perfection.

    Thank you for this post, Amanda.

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