what's the best that could happen?

Monday morning started with a call for inspiration in the form of a mass bcc email to about 30 friends and family members. The movement of my career as a writer had stalled, and the ol' creative topics tank was running on fumes.

I'm stuck, I said. Help?

To get the ball rolling, I asked them things like:

What kinds of emo, inspirational, or food for thought articles do you enjoy reading? What sorts of stories make you feel less alone?

What's happening in your life, right now, that feels shaky? amazing? unknown?

What might be happening in a friend or relative's life that you wish were easier for them?

What do you wish someone would talk about?

I assumed that within a few days, if I were lucky, maybe 2-3 people would respond with general ideas. Probably more as a show of support than a real interest in what I could offer in writing, I thought. To be fair, this was everything to do with my never-ending-levels-of-fragile ego and nothing to do with the caliber of friends I have. Apologies, my darlings, for ever doubting you...(us).

Because what I actually got, in just a short 24 hours?

Raw, honest, personal stories. Inquiries on vulnerable topics dealing with self, as well as selfless topics dealing with others -- most specifically a range of questions on how to be better for others, and with others. Better friends, better teammates, better partners. Better people on the planet, doing the very best they know how in love, faith, family. Better to ourselves, while making the most of the precious time we are given in this life; living as fulfilled, enlightened, whole beings. And, as I hear so often with my clients, desires for getting un-stuck and becoming more alive in beautiful, unique, juicy ways. 

I received a flood of responses that were not only spot-on what I needed from an inspirational side, but ones that served to enrich my day with their detailed, introspective, and delightfully human cores. They choked me up with their brave vulnerability, and brought out a number of oh honey, amen to that!'s. After reading a dozen replies, I knew that if I could respond to each and every one with only a single starting sentiment, it would simply be:  you are not alone. That, and maybe a borderline uncomfortably long hug.

I was floored, heart cracked open in fresh ways, and practically kicking myself for waiting so long to send off such a basic but apparently powerful request for help. I had forgotten to ask what's the best that could happen?, instead of assuming the worst.

You know, as you get older, it becomes more and more crucial to find members for your good vibes tribe. It's equally important to weed out the itty bitty shitty committee players, but that sometimes takes longer to recognize.

In other words: Pay attention to the really good, loyal, joyful, vulnerable, curious people around you. Connect with them often. Connect with them as your best and worst selves, ask them for help, offer them yours.  And then? Let go of the rest.

For every person who has written to me so far, I am deeply grateful. While I take some time to craft my replies in the most loving & respectful ways they all absolutely deserve, I want you to know something...

On Monday, after B had fallen asleep in his (never ceases to amaze me) record timing of 2.4 seconds, I spent the next hour in the calm of our precious city-cottage praying for every single soulful email. Every word of them. One hand over my heart, the other holding B's (more as a proactive defense against his sleep herky-jerkying than a gesture of intimacy). I asked the Universe to take care of each being in my most stern but loving Mama Trish voice. I asked God to help me uplift them, and to use me as positive energy and a source of comfort.

This is a big responsibility, I said. This is the kind of work most worth doing, and I don't take the gig lightly. 

I asked for guidance, understanding and patience. I asked for better words, tighter sentences, and strength to share more of my own stories for the purpose of connection.

I asked for a lot of things, but mostly I just spent an hour holding you each in the deepest parts of my heart, and feeling honored to be in a position to do so.

To be continued....


You are very loved,

Trish


ps -- if there are folks reading this who would also like to submit topic ideas in the same vein as the questions mentioned at the top of this essay, my contact inbox is always open. xo.