At my sons’ elementary school this past week they put in a “Buddy Bench.” This is a bench that someone can go to if they feel lonely, left out, sad or depressed.
Others know that when someone is sitting on the bench, that they want to be asked to play, and the children are encouraged to invite whomever is sitting there to join them.
Not only does this teach compassion and empathy at a young age, but it also lets our youth know that it is okay to feel these feelings and let others know about it.
Gifting this Buddy Bench to our elementary school brought tears to my eyes, for the message of inclusion and hope it will now bring to those who are in pain.
It made me wish more adults had a Buddy Bench.
In the wake of two public suicides in the last week, I couldn’t help but think of Kate Spade + Anthony Bourdain, who felt so alone with their immense pain and personal struggles, that the only relief they each could find was to end their own lives.
What felt so tragic to me was reading that Kate Spade wanted to get help, but was afraid of what it might do to her “happy-go-lucky” image.
In her mind, going to sit on the “Buddy Bench” was just too painful and might let everyone else down.
My heart breaks for their families, their daughters and their loved ones.
In the wake of these two tragedies, we can be reminded of these important notions.
1) You really never know what someone else is going through, no matter how amazing their life may seem. Be kind.
2) Money, success and fame will not bring you the inner peace you may be seeking.
Inner peace must come from within.
And there’s nothing wrong with asking for help to access it.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-773-TALK (8255).
If you are feeling lonely, sad, depressed or anxious. let someone know.
You might just find, that they have been feeling the same way too.
Let’s reach out when we are feeling down and be kind to those who are sitting all alone on the bench.
Leave a comment below + let me know how you are feeling today.
You are not alone.
Love + Gratitude,
Wendy
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12 thoughts on “We All Feel Sad At Times: Ask For Help”
I loved this e-mail / blog, Wendy. Thank you so much for sending it. <3
The buddy bench might be the best idea I’ve heard all year. It’s so simplictic and positive.
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for this post. These days, I am feeling quite lost. I recently graduated from University. The realities of adult life keep getting more real and the troubling doubt when thinking of starting my career just keeps growing. Some days, I am on top of the world. Others, I feel like I’m drowning and fighting to get back up. Others…sinking. I am also a depressed individual. Looking forward to my therapy session this week. Could definitely use some kind thoughts this week. Thank you.
“Be kind.” Simple words to live by, yet easy to forget. Thanks for the reminder, Wendy. This is an important and extremely moving post.
Yes Wendy very timely spoken. And esp in today’ s; In my own opinion Twight Zone everyday existence…Am
nd esp with this Govt administration. I rem the quotr; ” A kinder Gentler Nation” just don’ t rem whether it was John F. Kennedy or Robert Kennedy or Dr.Martin Luther King who said it.
But…that is what is needed…….Mark A. Winn
So glad this resonated with you Mark. Yes, we can each change the world if we begin with kindness, right where we are. Amen.
You are so welcome Susan. Glad it moved you.
Hi Wendy. Thanks for the buddy bench story;
It’s very inspiring and comforting!
I personally agreed there should be more budddy benches out there!
I too, felt a sense of loss and grievancy ab
Out Andy’s death.
My sincere thoughts to the family n friends.
Thanks Wendy!
Glad you found it inspiring comforting. We can all learn so much from children. Sending loving thoughts to you.
a great post for the day . you may have just saved some lives
that’s a great post for the day …I think you may have just saved many peoples lives xx
Thanks Andrew. I hope so. When we realize that we are not alone, that we can ask for help that there are beautiful people in the world who can help us…maybe we can begin to heal ourselves each other.