monday morning encouragement

Every time I sit down to write one of these encouraging pieces lately I tend to over think the topic & make it so complicated. I want to shy away from that & turn this series back into my original plans for it. I want this Monday morning space to be home to the words I would say to any one of my friends who has just poured their heart out to me while we’re sitting in the corner of our local coffee shop drinking a latte & catching up. These are the words I would say to any of their struggles, doubts, hard times, tears, pain, excitement, passion, or plans ahead. Here is where I respond, lift up, walk alongside, or carry the burden too. This is where I encourage.

I don’t know what you’re going through today. I don’t know if you’re caring for a sick baby, mom, or friend. I don’t know if you lost your job, your sister, your love for something, or your drive to keep moving on. I don’t know what mountain you’re climbing today. I don’t know what fear you’re having to face. I don’t know what face you’re having to put on (again) because you have to seem strong to those around you. Today, I want you to know that I see you. I hear your voiceless cry. I get that today may be a tough day to even remember to keep breathing. You’re tired, you’re over it, & you just want to be done. The weight is just too much, the comparison is drowning you, & you’re ready to surrender.

I get it.

But here my words today friend, you are not alone. Did you catch that? You’re not alone. I am here for you. I am listening. I see you. I see your struggle & your pain, & your feeling that no one understands. You’re right, I may not fully understand because I have not lived your life. But we’re both humans & today, I’m trying to be the human that helps you through the day.

You are radiant. You are smart. You are worth the effort of continuing. There are more days to be lived, more memories to make, more dreams to be fulfilled. You are strong. You are capable. You have the talents to achieve things that no one but yourself can achieve. You were made to be different. You were created to take part in this world at this exact moment in time. Use that gift to do good, to speak up, to stand your ground, & walk this earth like only you can.

Be kind when you don’t want to be. Smile when you feel like you can’t. Talk to someone who you normally ignore. People think people are complicated, but we’re not. We’re all just trying to make it day by day while carrying our pain, happiness, doubts, fears, heartaches, joys, & strifes on our backs toward one end goal: love & acceptance.

Love & accept yourself today. Push hard through the low so that you can get to the mountaintop & see all the good that your life still has to offer this world. Today, keep climbing so that you can get to the achieved view & know the beauty that lies ahead.

Keep going my friend, I see you, & I’m right there too.

–  abbey kay

*brought to you by a girl who understands personal struggle & is always there to lean on