Sharing Our Experiences

"When I was a young man, I served as counselor to a wise district president in the Church. He tried to teach me. One of the things I remember wondering about was this advice he gave: 'When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.'" - Henry B. Eyring

Life is hard. I'm sure this is a lesson that will continue to get more apparent the longer I live, but I've been learning it a lot recently it seems.  Life is hard because of the things we choose and life is hard because of the things we don't choose.  

I haven't figured out all the whats, hows, and whys - far from it in fact -- but I wanted to remember for myself a lesson I've been learning.  My "multitude of trails" has been going for quite awhile, but I'm working on getting through them and I'm learning lots along the way.  

It has just been recently that I've started talking more about the things I'm facing with my sweet friends and family. It has been in my willingness to talk about my own hard things that I've been able to hear about the hard things that the people around me are facing. 

I don't know why but for some reason talking to people about their own hard things makes life a little easier for me. Maybe it's the idea that I'm not that abnormal - or that other people are getting through things similar or most times harder things than me - and they are doing just fine. 

It's also so interesting how when you are willing to open your life - and allow other people to open theirs - how your circle or love and support can grow.   People are always checking up on me and loving me and hugging.  I know so many people have prayed for me and about me and have been prompted to help me over the last few months.  I also know that as people open up to me the things that they are going through - I've had the chance to pray for them as well. And the opportunity to pray for others helps me to look beyond myself. 

I just hope I remember that life can be easier when we share our burdens. I don't mean that you should tell everyone everything (hence me not spilling my life burden with all of you here), but don't forget to reach out and reach back when help is there.