Just Being There...!

Ever have one of those days...?

Do you sometimes get the feeling that things are closing in a bit? Ever just wish that folks, however well intentioned, would just leave you alone for a while? Ever get really worried about all the negativity roaming around the Internet and the airways?

Of course...we all have those days. Just a part of life, I guess. I know there are times that I would just love to get a cup of coffee, go sit on the porch and watch nature do her thing...all without the background noises and confusion of living in the city.

However, folks living in the country can get overwhelmed as well! Too many chores that just need to be done as soon as possible, animals that need to be tended to, family to be fed and cared for, cleaning that just won't do itself no matter how much you wish it would!

This may sound a little crazy, but I think the human being has a sort of internal clock, a warning system, if you will...that kicks in from time to time and lets us know that we need to back off from things a bit. Tells us we need to slow down some and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

I also feel that when you finally hit that zone, when you put yourself in that state of mind...something about the internal radar sends out a signal to others to give you some space. There are times when nothing that anyone can say or do will be enough to pull you out of that zone peacefully. Any attempt to do that will be met with a bad reaction most of the time. Most all of us need that time inside ourselves, that moment of aloneness, of solitude...

Let me make a suggestion here. If you run across someone lost in that zone, someone who has managed to get into the quiet spot inside, someone entertaining some hidden and private thoughts...just don't say anything. Don't ask them "what's wrong?" or ask "can I do anything?"

Just let them be where they are at for now. Instead of talking to them and maybe disturbing the inner reflection, just approach them quietly and maybe place your hand gently on their arm or shoulder. That simple act alone, with nothing being said, can go a lot farther to letting them know that they are not alone...than any words could ever do. Touching someone gently lets them know you are there for them, available if they need you, and most of all lets them know that you do understand their frame of mind.

A gentle touch, a quick little smile, and the room to be alone with our thoughts are sometimes all that we need to recharge our batteries a bit. Anyway, that's what I think, for what it's worth.

To me, the most important part of friendship is the being there...and believe it or not, that gentle touch can say a lot!

Now, what do you say to a fresh cup of coffee, my friend?