You are never alone and we need to care for others as well

So, I won't go into details of why this blog post is being written. Just know that life is precious and you may feel alone, but you are never alone. People always say Heavenly Father is always just a prayer away and it is so true (though if you are not open you may not feel how close He really is to you).

But Heavenly Father is not the only one who is always around and willing to listen when you need a shoulder to cry on.

Everyday I think of so many people in my life-- my in-laws (every one of them), my parents, my brothers and sisters, people from the ward, my primary children, my husband, extended family, friends I haven't spoken to since high school, friends I have fallen away from recently, close friends, acquaintances from school, friends on other continents, and those who have passed away. If I think of so many people in one day, then you never know who has been thinking of you.

Of course many of those people you may not be able to just call up and feel like you can pour out your whole soul, but there is always someone who is thinking about you and hoping you are doing well and would love to hear from you.

So, don't feel like you are alone. And not only that, but if you don't feel alone or don't need a hand, maybe someone you are thinking of throughout the day does need someone to talk to. We as human being need to stick out for one another and quit thinking "Oh, I don't want this person to think I am stalking them," "I don't want this person to think I am always using them" or "I don't want this person to get sick of me checking up on them." If that person does think that then it is their loss.

People need to understand that we are social creatures and depend on knowing we are loved by someone. We also need to stop caring what other people think of us.

People form their own opinions about you moments after they see you, but that may not be who you are, and you don't have to prove anything to anyone. You just have to be yourself.

That being said, it is so very important to stay in contact with friends and family member because it is rare for a person to come right out and tell people their problems. We as friends and family members have to be carefully watching for hints and clues about how a person is doing so that we can care for them and let them know we are there. When they are ready, they will open up.

I feel very hypocritical writing this. I have not always been there for friends or family. When I have been there for friends or family sometimes I feel like I am a nuisance and that is what makes me stop trying to care for them. But I shouldn't stop trying because of that, because some of those people really do need help and are just trying to push people away.

I am one of those people who are prideful and hate getting help or sympathy from anyone. I come off as cold and uncaring. The truth is I am shy  and though I may push you away I truly appreciate your concern and secretly always want those who are in my life to help me when I need help and be there for me when I am feeling down or going through something particularly rough.

And also I want to give a plea out to those who push people away-- don't ignore those who are there for you. Acknowledge that you know that they are trying to help, don't just ignore texts, calls, facebook messages, or face to face contact. The person who is trying to help is just telling you that they are there for you and you are not alone (especially when they know you are struggling). 

With the current events in my life I now realize I need to reach out to all those who are dear to me and let them know I am there and they are never alone.

(And lastly a shout out to my friend Stephanie Whitman who as I was writing this blog entry called me to check up on how I am doing. That is what a true friend would do.)