2023 has tried to take me down. I’ve had a troubling number of conversations with people who feel overwhelmed by life and what keeps getting thrown at them. So, in light of that I wanted to share some #celebr8awesome to try to turn my focus to the good.

A few weeks ago when we opened up our closet to wrap our kids Christmas presents there were many boxes of things I had not remembered ordering. When things arrived daily we just stuck them in this closet that locks so the kids wouldn’t see them.

Upon opening the closet there was one box when I opened it that I know I had not ordered. Inside of it was this beautiful quilt designed by Kim Newton. Kim and I know each other from the volleyball world. We have never shared a meal. I have never coached her child. She and I have just appreciated each other over the years and what both put into this world.

Kim had heard and read that my mom had passed. In fact, our two high school teams played each other just a few days after Gaga went to Heaven. She came and gave me a big hug and told me she was praying for me and that she “got it” in a way only someone who lost a parent they adored can understand. That hug/conversation would have been ENOUGH. (Side note: It’s always better to have this difficult conversation than to just ignore the giant elephant in the room).

However, after that conversation which I deeply appreciated just a few weeks later, Kim sent this.

Please look carefully at the artistry here. Kim’s work is incredible. This verse from Corinthians is one of my favorites and I held my moms hand just like this went she left this Earth. As you could imagine, when I opened this gift I cried for a good 30 minutes. Mostly, because I was in awe of the generosity and kindness of someone who owes me nothing, that I don’t know super well and who certainly didn’t need to take the time to send me anything, let alone something this thoughtful and beautiful. This doesn’t discredit the weekly check in’s and love I have been getting from close family and friends, but it blew my sweats off to have such a gesture from someone unexpected. 

As I’ve been reflecting on my recent conversations with many different people I am struck by the intense truth that…the world needs more of this. It doesn’t have to be a beautiful or expensive present, it can just be a text or a phone call or a compliment to a stranger in the store or parking lot.  Sometimes the nice thing you may say to someone may be the only nice thing they hear all day long. Sometimes those check in’s with friends/family are the best part of someone’s day. 

I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that the people that ask me how I’m doing are uncomfortable asking, but I appreciate it so much more than the people who ignore the aforementioned elephant in my world. People who don’t ask and should boggle my mind. So…my point is this…simply letting someone know they are seen, heard, not alone or doing a good job is ALL you need to do and it WILL make a difference in their life. 

Please let me assure you, that you many think people are telling others on the regular that they are seen, heard and understood, but they aren’t. Not really. So, please reach out to people…Celebrate other people’s awesome every chance you get. I am certain you won’t regret it. 

If you want to check out Kim’s amazing artistry, please visit her website at kimalexisnewton.com

I’m always up for supporting a badass woman running her own business. But mostly, I want to celebrate the awesome that is this woman who saw another woman she respects and helped her feel seen, understood and loved during a dark time. Thank you my friend, I will always remember this and it will help me be a better person. 

#celebr8awesome