support

similar romper here, here & here | bow heels | similar bag | earrings

photos by Banavenue



Last summer, I attended a "power brunch" for women that was all about building one another up while chowing down on the most delicious food. That's a gig I can get behind. Between bites of decadent creme brûlée, one of the speakers said something that caught my attention and struck a chord. She said, "Look around this room. Chances are these women, who you hardly even know, will be a bigger support to you than most of the friends and family you've known your entire life". I thought for a second that perhaps I was the only one who could relate to her statement until the room suddenly erupted in applause and the nodding of heads (and even a few overzealous "amen"s). It became apparent in that moment that a sad truth exists amongst society: we are not as supportive of one another as we should be. 

I'm not playing the victim here, as I will shamefully admit that I too am guilty of being unsupportive at times. Not intentionally, but because I'm too wrapped up in my own schedule to call a friend and ask how her job interview went or take the time to text another friend after her cousin passed away. It's inexcusable, really, and I want to be better. No matter how busy life may be, I can easily find the time to reach out and be there for others if I'll just make an effort to do so. Sending an encouraging text takes all of ten seconds and has the power to make someone's day- so why don't we, I, do it more often? What is keeping us from being the kind of friend we want in our own lives to someone else?

When I notice a lack of support from friends and family, it hurts. As much as I try and blow it off or not read too much into it, I can't help but wonder why some of my very best friends aren't acknowledging the blog that I work so hard on. Or my precious son that I'm so obviously proud of. Or my grandmother who's ill with cancer. It's difficult to overlook a blatant lack of support from people who you love dearly and strive to be there for time and time again. More often than not, unfortunately, silence speaks louder than words. And the silence of a friend is deafening. 

The realization that I have likely made others feel that very same way is what makes me want to make a conscious effort to be more supportive as a whole: friends, family, the random lady jogging at the park (because Lord knows I would need encouragement if I actually attempted exercise). Offering support is absolutely free- and it means more to most people than anything money could ever buy. I too often am consumed with purchasing gifts and giving people material items, when in reality simply giving them my time would be much more meaningful.

If we all took a step back and thought about how we want to feel, the love and acceptance we hope to receive, it might give more insight as to how we should treat others. It all goes back to The Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Are you grateful when a friend offers to babysit after your surgery? Is your day made when someone sends a thoughtful card just because? Do you appreciate the friend who calls to check in when she knows you've had a hard week? Be those people. I want to be those people. We can all learn from those people. Because at the end of the day, our sole purpose on this Earth is to serve others. And what better way to exercise that service than supporting and loving one another.

If you're reading this, I am so thankful for you and your support. I don't say it near enough, but I am blown away time and time again by those of you who visit Hello Honey. I wish I could give each of you a huge hug! I love you all.
xo, Britt