I am so good at hiding behind a smile. I get it... I know it... all too well. Not that this is a bad thing. Honestly it seems the more I "smile" the better things get. Tonight I felt an urge to reach out to those that are in pain, fighting a HARD BATTLE. Even if it seems small in comparison with someone else's trial, it doesn't matter. Our trials are our own, and they at times feel like they could BURY us. It's been interesting since my accident that my empathy has been expanded... I want to throw my arms around the world (not to sound cliche' :) But the reality of the distress of trials is more REAL to me now. My heart goes out not only to the obvious hurt and suffering, but to those that are hiding behind a smile.
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ReplyDeleteThe 'hiding' part of "hiding behind a smile" loses half it's limiting power just by your awareness. The general public (myself included) experiences warmth and joy when you bestow one of your powerful smiles upon us and I am always grateful for that. I have also experienced your expression of pain and frustration and I felt honored for that as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your journey. I find them thoughtful and inspirational. -euge
ReplyDeleteThank you Eugene. The feelings are mutual. Thanks for a great visit and for capturing some photos of Nick and I. You are a GREAT friend to me!!
ReplyDeleteJamie, this is Mike Adamucci from MailOnline.com
ReplyDeletewe'd love to talk to you and use the pictures you have supplied.
Can you please call the photo desk at 646-885-5123 or email us at nypictures@dailymail.co.uk
the pictures I am referring to are being used by Deseret News at this link - http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865563089/Former-Mrs-Idaho-inspires-and-lifts-after-near-death-tragedy.html?pg=all
Jamie that is exactly what happened to me going through my pregnancy trials, my empathy grew a ton and I could really feel for people in a way that I had not been able to do before, it was amazing and worth going through the trials just for that purpose. Reminds me so much of why our Savior went through what he did but on a much grander scale.
ReplyDeleteI used to judge those that had to be on anxiety/depression medication because I thought it was a cop out. I thought they were missing something (God) in their lives. Well a couple of years ago I had a chemical imbalance/postpartum and I had to be put on medication. I am a complete advocate now for if you need it, you need it! I have been off the medication since March and I have felt great!
ReplyDeleteI think I get my smiling as hereditary haha :) My dad ALWAYS smiled and I am told I ALWAYS smile (you look through my yearbooks and that's what many people mentioned). When I don't smile people know there is something seriously wrong. But there are days I smile when I am really crying inside.
I will always love the hymn 220 "Lord I will Follow Thee" 2nd verse. "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly. In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see."