Let's chat about connecting with others

As a mama to autistic twin boys, a wife, a daughter and someone who has multiple jobs, sometimes, it can be hard to remember to take a break and connect with people...

For others, it can also be hard to connect with others, because they may feel like no one will understand their struggles, choices, life, etc.

The truth is, it is hard to find people that can truly understand- unless they have lived it- and even then, everyone is different.

A few years ago, I was having a conversation with a good friend. We chatted about circles of friendship and how each friendship can bring different things... It's something I reflect on often.

For example, there are friends that maybe you go out with every year and just grab coffee. You catch up and laugh and cry... and go back to life. There are other friends who you text message daily with, maybe sending memes and laughing/crying with each other. There are friends that you can have deep conversations with, and others that you can't.

All of those friendships are valuable! They bring something different to your life, and that's what makes it so beautiful.

What can be helpful is thinking... how much time and energy do I want to put into each friendship (and what is realistic?) For example, if you have a friend that you can call and celebrate good times but not share hardships, that may not be a friendship that you put your ALL into!

Another thing to remember is that we can not be everything to everyone. If you are a "helper" for example, you don't have to be a helper to everyone! That isn't realistic, and many times, that can lead to friendships that feel... a bit one sided. (as a recovering people pleaser, I can say this is very true!)

So... With this in mind, let's jump into this months' therapist mama bear tip!