Daily we are all inundated with our hectic daily lives, the stresses at work, the electronic media influences, our daily commutes, keeping in touch with our friends and families, and maintaining our homes. And if you are also in a life transition, what you may normally handle begins to feel overwhelming and can suck you down an unhealthy emotional path.
I was reminded this week how very important it is to always have in-person human connection (not social media connection or texting) where you can be open and real with your emotions. It is these types of connections that feed our soul and can support us in maintaining our emotional health in an ever busy and overwhelming world.
This past Wednesday was my younger son’s 16th birthday. It has been 5 years since he and I have been together due to parental alienation and as I was on my daily commute home all of my sadness, anger, questions about justice, and most importantly sadness for my sons whom have been robbed of their birth right to love both of their parents! I stopped at a local market that I frequent on my way home and was unable to contain these emotions within me and I had small tears rolling down my eyes as I walked into the market. This young man who works at the market, whom I don’t know very well but we do converse about life when we see each other, immediately asked me what was wrong. With a leap of faith, I shared with him all my emotions and story….AND HERE’S the AMAZING PART…….
This young man asked me if it was ok if he shared his story with me And it turns out he lived the life my son is living right now! He was also a victim of parent alienation, and he rejected his mother when he was also…age 11. As he continued to recount his story to me, he let me know that the moment his young boy brain became mature, he realized everything that had happened, and he had a strong pull to reconnect with his mother. He then assured me that no matter the time that has been lost the connection and bond can not be broken and my sons will reach out, we will reconnect, and our bond will be stronger!
In our brief 30 minute conversation, this young man was able to pull me back from the downward emotional path I was going and turn me back towards HOPE, FAITH, HAPPINESS, and the real truth that children will always seek out their parents when they have their own free will to do so! This is all because of three things: I had the courage to be open and show my raw emotions in public, this young man was touched by my emotions and felt inspired enough to share his raw emotions, and I was open enough to sit and listen to his story! This is human kindness and human connection at its best!
So, here’s my challenge for myself and for you:
- Intentionally make a real human connection each day
- Intentionally pay your experience forward by sharing your experience with others
- Encourage others to take the challenge
Thank you for taking on this challenge and I look forward to receiving your experiences!
I love this! It’s a huge challenge to be open and vulnerable, especially with people you don’t know – definitely something to work on – we are all in this together. I’m so happy you made this connection; sometimes we just have to let things flow for them to work out. I hope your boys reach out soon. Love you!
Hi Janet.
I’m going through grandparent alienation & my oldest son is going through the parental alienation part.
I also have a network marketing business that I need to accelerate.
I’m glad I found this post. It really resonates. Thank you for your openness.
C
Hi Cheryl – I’m so glad this post resonates with you. Even though we are in a social distancing moment, I have found that being open to others during this time in the smallest way like looking people in the eyes, saying hello to strangers, and smiling behind my mask really has an impact on others and in turn brings me joy! It’s important to focus on all of the wonderful blessings and experiences you and your son have had with your grandchildren – they will remember these experiences. Let’s talk. Janet