“Tuesday I received some disappointing news. I did not pass my real estate class exam. I automatically felt defeated and so frustrated with myself. I am a wife and a mother, and I desperately want to be able to juggle more things without failure. But I dropped the ball, and I failed.
Since COVID-19, two friends and I have started a group text chat. We check in on each other almost daily and do our best to keep each other positive. Some of us have children, and some of us don’t. Our lives and struggles may be different, but that doesn’t matter in this group. We are just walking beside one another and meet each other where ever they are.
My two friends realized I wasn’t in good spirits and did there best to encourage me. When they realized that I was struggling, they went into action and did what they could to make me feel better.
Before I knew it, I had comfort food, a bottle of wine, and two very missed faces on my lawn. They came bearing gifts and words of encouragement. I felt life inside of my heart like I desperately needed. It’s been a long time since I have seen another human. The virus has kept us all in self-isolation, and with my husband working many hours at our local hospital, I often feel a little lonely at home with my two stir-crazy toddlers.
My friends stayed well over six feet apart and only stayed a few minutes, but those few minutes gave me what I needed to continue moving forward, to keep feeling sane, to continue getting through this hard thing that is COVID-19.
We are all being affected differently, and I am thankful that I do not have to worry and sacrifice like I have seen others have to do. My family is safe, and I am so grateful for that.
But
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. It’s okay that we are all struggling in different ways. The internet is filled with comparison and hate. I understand we are all a little stressed out, but let’s stop judging each other, and let’s learn how to support each other nationwide.
Love your neighbor, check on your friends, pray for our people on the front lines, support businesses as best as you can, and don’t say a word of negativity. Just don’t. Not online, not over text, not in the comment box. Spread support, and let’s help each other.
We are all struggling mentally and in different forms. Let us be the change.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Ashleigh Beaver. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here, and subscribe to our free email newsletter.
Read about amazing acts of kindness during the coronavirus pandemic:
Help us show compassion is contagious. SHARE this story on Facebook with family and friends.