A Coffee Date // November 14
My dearest friend Amber is the original queen of coffee date blog posts, and even though she's taking a hiatus from blogging, my lovely friend Erin is keeping these monthly virtual coffee dates alive. It feels like full-on winter today, and life's been hard lately, so I'm extra glad we're here catching up today. I've missed this place and you people.
If we were on a coffee date... I would first say thank you. So, so many of you reached out after my last post about how I'm battling the darkness in a season of depression, and I cannot put into words how incredible it was to finally feel like I wasn't alone in it. It breaks my heart that so many can relate to those feelings, but it's such a gift to know that we all feel things and we all struggle at times. Community is such a blessing. It's been good to step back from writing publicly and it's been good to talk with so many of you and process differently, and I'm grateful. I don't feel out of the woods yet, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that's huge.
If we were on a coffee date... I would ask what your best cold remedies are. This thing has been creeping up on me for a week and it's in full force now and I'm STRUGGLING. I've been chugging the apple cider vinegar/local honey/lemon juice/cinnamon/water concoction, taking elderberry syrup and vitamin C and Airborne, and diffusing oils... I'm the most stubborn and never want to go to the doctor, so give me all your best tips!
If we were on a coffee date... I would ask how you're holding up after the past week. It was a hard one. An emotional one. An intense one. A scary one for many. No matter how you voted or who you support, it's clear that our nation is broken and scared and desperate for change. How are you handling that? Got any tips? I've been grieving and I've been clinging to hope. I've been crying and I've been figuring out ways I can act in love for those around me. For all who are hurting right now, I am a safe space. Please know that. We are in this together. (Also-- my friend Leah created these incredible safety pin products if you want a way to publicly show the world that you're an ally.)
If we were on a coffee date... I would let you know (in case you haven't heard) that The Lizzie McGuire Movie is on Netflix. We all could use a little super cheesy entertainment right now. I watched it the other night and just cracked up at how ridiculous it all was.
If we were on a coffee date... I would encourage you to write Thanksgiving cards this year. I know, you've never heard of such a thing. Christmas cards always steal the spotlight. But, for the last few years, I've written cards to friends and family near and far to tell them why I'm thankful for them, and I've found it to be one of the most joy-filled and encouraging practices I've ever taken on. I love taking the time to reflect on all the wonderful people in my life, and love getting to send them a pretty piece of snail mail so they know how loved and appreciated they are. A bunch of your have letters coming your way soon...
If we were on a coffee date... I would ask you what's saving your life today. For me, it's blanket scarves, salt lamps since the office is gloomy and dark with this weather, the new juicer we got last night and made delicious fresh pressed juice with, new pens full of juicy ink, and the new songs from the Hamilton Mixtape.
If we were on a coffee date... the last thing I would do is encourage you to own your truth, give names to the things you're experiencing, and share your story. It's terrifying, I know, but I've found from experience that you will be blown away by the grace and love you are shown in response. It's so easy to let the hard things have power over us, and when we speak out about them, we start to push back the darkness and let the light in again. Just give it a try, yeah?
Phew, I did it. I blogged again! It feels good. I'm hopeful I'll start tiptoeing back into this space soon... lots of things I want to share with you all. Stay tuned! Grateful you're here and in my corner. xo.
