Listen To Me

There are somethings that you just can't explain. You can't find the words to express some of the things that need to be addressed. You can't always help if you don't have an answer to something. I have found this true in the work Kaylie and I do. It's hard for us to always have words ready when someone comes to us. You never know what they are going to say, so you never know what your response will be.
I want to stress how important just listening is. Sometimes all you have to do is sit back, and allow the person to use you to get all they need to say out. All you would have to do is be there, show you care, listen. Just listen. Your listening ears can be the most important things to people. I can't describe the power of just having listening ears there. It can make so much of a difference knowing that you have someone there to help and listen when you need it. People are dynamic creatures, and sometimes all they need is the power of knowing you're there. You're there.

From the time my parents got divorced, until around the time I was 14, I went through a really strong period of depression. I shut people out. I caved in around myself. You don't know the total feeling of loneliness until you are alone. I made myself that way. When my world fell apart I did too. Rather then admitting I needed help, I walked away from people who wanted so desperately to help me. I still do that to this day. I was guarding myself, so when people would ask how I was doing, I would say fine. But I needed someone to look me in the eyes and really ask me, 'are you okay?' and know that I wasn't just fine. I needed  them there. I needed them to talk. I needed them to listen. People go through this everyday. There are people out there who need someone so bad that they could be on their breaking point, and all they need is someone. You can save someone by listening to them. You can help them avoid so much pain by listening to them and being there.

I know that there is a lot going on for people right now. There is hurt everywhere. People are broken daily, and you may be thinking 'I can't listen to everyone' . I'm saying you need to allow yourself to be open to the person you are meant to help. You have to allow them to go through the processes for themselves.  You can't ever hinder someone from grieving. You may not have the right words for everyone, but you have the right words for someone. It may be a friend, family member, someone you have barely talked to before. But there is always someone out there who can use a listening ear. There is someone out there who needs you. You're person will come.

And if you're someone who is waiting to talk, waiting to find your listening ear, reach out. We are here, and there are many many other organizations out there meant specifically to listen. If you need someone to be your person, and if you need to just get things off your chest, reach out. Allow yourself the time to decide when you're ready, and what help you need. You are strong enough to do this. Find someone who will love you and listen no matter what you say to them. It's surprising, but there are still people like that out there. You can find them.

Listen

Teen Suicide

Through starting Beautifully Made, I have been opened up to so much more. Some has been good, and some has been bad. There have been things that I have never even thought about that I have had to learn to deal with.

One thing that we have come across is the prevalence of teen suicide. The rate of teen suicide is alarming. There are teens who  hide their pain and their problems all the way until the day they snap. We have seen this more and more through what we are doing. We have learned about more of the causes that sometimes people don't see.

We want to extend our hand to all of those who have been effected by this. But we have a challenge for you as well - watch what you say. Be careful of what you tell people, how you say it and what you do to them. You never know if you're their breaking point. I'd hate to think that I could be the reason someone didn't want to live anymore. I can't even imagine.

I hope that you take these words into consideration the next time you speak with someone. Make sure your words are pleasant and won't cause anyone harm.

xoxoxo