Mining for Silver Linings

You matter! Yes, YOU, the one reading this right now…

This is for YOU!

You never truly know the impact you have on others, how many people care for you, and who’s holding you in their thoughts and prayers. Let me demonstrate by sharing a little story from the beginning of last month…

This 12 Step study group I’m in requires us to complete writing assignments and share them with the group. One of the ladies complimented me on my work and told me I should take up writing, as she thinks I have a talent for it. I didn’t dare tell her I started a blog a few years ago that I’ve failed to keep up with. On my drive home, I was thinking about what she said. However, that little voice in me told me I’m not good enough and don’t have anything good to write about anyway.

I didn’t dwell on it too much though, especially because I had nothing new to report about my Lyrica journey. Well, over the next week or so, I kept hearing this little voice that said, 

“Write! Just do it!”

I still didn’t give much thought to it and pushed that voice to the side…

A couple weeks later, I found myself at the gym, and I could not stop looking at the clock. – Let me pause right here… Last year, I shared that my doctor told me I need to improve my physical health and get in really good shape before I continue dropping my Lyrica. Well, I finally started taking action, thus me being at the gym. – Continuing on… I kept looking at the time on the arc trainer, so I told myself I couldn’t look down until I listened to one full song. I started looking around, and before I knew it, twelve minutes had gone by. So what happened in those twelve minutes that made it pass so quickly? Well, I got out of my own head and suddenly found myself thinking about other people. I started observing those around me…

• To the girl wearing jersey #520, you are working so incredibly hard. Your fierce determination motivates me. Keep it up!
• To the frail lady in the ball cap battling chronic illness, I’ve been worried because I haven’t seen you. You’re always in my prayers. You look ill today. I can tell you’re in pain. Keep fighting! You’re not alone!
• To the older gentleman who loves crossword puzzles, where are you? I’ve missed seeing you. I hope all is well. P.S. I’ve always wondered how you manage to walk on the treadmill and do the paper’s crossword puzzle. That takes talent. I would fail miserably!
• Ms. Drop-dead Gorgeous, I’ve noticed guy after guy hitting on you. I hope they’ve all said kind words to you and treated you with the dignity and respect you deserve!
• To the largest man in the room, keep suiting up and showing up! You’re doing great! You inspire me!
• To the attractive woman across from me, how do you get your hair to look so good?! It’s on point for sure. My hair doesn’t even look that nice when I try my hardest, and I’m NOT working out!
• To the parents bringing adolescents to the gym, I applaud you for incorporating health and exercise into the lives of your children. You’re the real MVP!
• To all the ladies in the locker room nursing and finishing up school/business work before or after working out, y’all are badasses. Rock on!
• To the lady who complimented me on my headband, thank you! You put a smile on my face just when I needed one most 🙂
• To the ladies at the front desk, you make my day every time you check me in. You radiate positive energy my darlings!

It’s amazing how much time passed just thinking about and praying for those around me, and I was finished working out before I knew it! Then, out of nowhere, I heard the voice again,

“Write! Just do it!”

There you have it. The rest is history. And with all that being said…

You never know…

You never know who’s watching. You never know who you impact. You never know who you’re motivating, who you’re encouraging, who you’re inspiring.

YOU matter!

People are watching. You’ll never know how many people are holding you in their thoughts and prayers. I guarantee you that not a single person I mentioned has any idea they’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. I doubt they even noticed me there.

On your darkest day, when you feel like the world is caving in, you could be the brightest light someone sees all day and not even know it. Now, THAT is what I call a silver lining.

Back to the whole, this blog being about getting off Lyrica thing… well… the titration has begun. You’ll have to read my next entry for an update. Yes, I’ve already started drafting it. No, it probably won’t be posted any time soon… just being honest. I have realistic expectations of myself these days hahah.

Until next time…

Hugs and love ❤

Chelsea