This day wasn’t easy. There was the “clean up my desk before disappearing from work for a few weeks”. And the “put out the fires and make last minute decisions” that the staff require of me every day but even more-so when I’m about to leave. And on top of that, the “sign these documents, wire this money, make sure you submit your outstanding expense forms”. Oh, and then the “calm some of the uneasiness among new staff about being leader-less for a few weeks”. Plus the “notify all consultants, make sure they know the next steps in the process and who to contact in my absence.”
And then at the end of the day, there was some potentially disappointing news about some things I want to do this Spring that might not work out after all.
Boo.
The hardest part? I was trying to cope with all of this with a raging head cold. One that I can’t take medication for because of pending surgery. AND one that could potentially postpone said surgery if they’re uneasy about putting me under general anesthetic if I can’t breathe through my nose.
Ugh.
But… here’s the good part… it’s the end of the day, I’m about to head to bed, and I’m feeling quite relaxed. And peaceful.
Why? Because YOU lift me up. Yes you.
Each of you who reached out to me in one way or another – you’ve made a difference. The dear friend who phoned me at work to wish me luck. The other dear friend who met me for lunch. The two members of my staff team and my colleague who gave me gifts and lovely cards. The other staff people who wished me well. The kind members of my family who sent emails and said prayers. All of the people who commented on my last (rather vulnerable and raw) blog post and/or sent follow-up emails. And then all of you lovely Twitter friends who sent me good vibes when I admitted to feeling low. And my mom who’s getting up early and giving up a couple of days (of her busy social calendar) to be my nurse-maid.
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or the next day, or the next. But I know that it will be easier to bear because YOU lift me up.
NEVER underestimate the power of an encouraging word. Or a prayer.
(And never be afraid to ask for it when you need it, because it really does help.)