I am grateful for people!!
As much as I sometimes don't like to admit it, I have recently been reminded of how much I really need people in my life. I wouldn't say that I'm the independant type who doesn't like to ask for help. "Reclusive" is more of the word that I would use for myself. And let's throw "anti-social" into the mix as well. Usually, I just prefer not to talk to people. I know, it's terrible that I would rather bury myself in a book or a long list of to-do's rather than face a social setting that could potentially turn out awkward.
What lies at the root of my problem? I'm not sure. . . It could be that I usually don't have much to say (especially in groups of four or more). I think back on all those times where I have felt like a mere by-stander instead of a participant in a group or at a social gathering simply because I couldn't think of anything interesting to say. Or if I did, I would get nervous as all eyes turned towards me when I spoke up. I was once diagnosed with social anxiety because of this. . . . but really I don't think I'm that bad. (And I hope that some of my friends can back me up on that.)
In all honesty, we truly need each other. One of the purposes of this life is to help each other and learn from one another. A life lived alone on this earth would be an incomplete one.
After experiencing the joy of interaction with others, of making a new friend, or catching up with an old one, I am reminded that interaction with other people is totally worth the potentially uncomfortable situations or hurt. The depth of the joy I find is so much more full and sastisfying than that of finishing a good book or completing my to-do list or having a perfectly clean room. As President Thomas S. Monson put it, " . . . what is most important almost always involves the people around us."
And now I would like to express my thanks for the person whom I am most grateful for: my savior, Jesus Christ; whose merits and mercy and grace have the power to save all men and women who repent and come unto him and follow his example. How grateful I am for his atonement, for his forgiveness, for his love, and for his willingness to bless me despite my weaknesses and imperfections.Thank you to all you wonderful people out there who make my life better each and every day!
I have actually been considering the same thing lately. I already started writing a blog post about the need for people in our lives a few weeks ago. I never finished writing it though.
ReplyDeleteNo man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
John Donne
This is wonderful Kimberly. Thanks for sharing it with me. I am "reclusive" and have chosen to be that way because it helps me deal with my anxiety. But you hit it right on the head. We are hear on this earth "with" other people for a reason........not to be alone. Thanks for the reminder.
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