Sharing your pain is an act of heroism. Far too often we don’t even realize how much of an impact we make when doing so. This morning I’m overemotional. Things I’ve planned for months are falling down around me. My well built foundation is proving faulty. The mortar won’t dry and the bricks are crumbling. This has been causing Anxiety induced insomnia. Something I’m very familiar with since living through trauma. Welcome to my reality for about a month now. Last night was just another sleepless night.
The power of sharing your pain
I was mindlessly scrolling through my socials and came across the first really early morning post from a dear friend. Open and vulnerable she was sharing her health journey that’s been extremely difficult over the past few days. For the first time instead of just blindly scrolling like a zombie I felt connected.
Over the next hour two more friends were putting their pain out there for the world to see, accept and just maybe offer support. And I started crying. Yes, a lack of sleep makes the already emotional me a weepy soggy mess. I cried for their pain, for my pain, and because of the incredible gratitude I felt for them sharing because I didn’t feel alone anymore.
Insomnia and loneliness
One of the worst things about insomnia for me isn’t the physical ailments that accompany it but the absolutely crippling sense of loneliness. When the rest of my world is fast asleep and my brain refuses to turn off I can’t send out a quick crying face emoji or nudge the husband. There’s no one awake to turn to and just whisper “I need a little help right now.” So I sit and scroll, alone.
Always show your “ugly”
This morning that loneliness was shut down and breathing became easier so I’m going to say it again. Heck, I’ll say it louder. SHARING PAIN IS AN ACT OF HEROISM! By being vulnerable you are helping to keep this world connected. By being open with your truth you make it easier for others to share their story. By being real, by being honest, by showing even the “ugly” we give and find unconditional acceptance. So to my friends, who for the sake of privacy will remain nameless, you were everything I needed this morning, I am grateful, and I hope you know that I’m one less lonely person in the world today because of you.