You Are Not Alone

After I published my latest post (Stoicism, Patience, and the Journey Through Rock Bottom), I received lots of encouraging messages and emails from all around the world.

Some of them are from people I've met (either online or offline) due to my blog or during my travels. But I've also received messages from people I didn't know.

We All Go Through Shit Sometimes

Many of you have shared your stories with me, of how you are also dealing with a difficult situation, or you went through a breakup or health issues too. Sometimes, very recently. Some of you are going through difficult times right now.

I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. All these messages have really helped me to go through this difficult period. Thank you.

It has also helped me to put things in perspective. We all go through shit sometimes. As John Lennon said: "Everybody had a hard year, everybody had a good time".

It's (Not) Your Fault

The other day, after being discharged, I was talking to an old friend about the experience of waking up alone at the hospital, and how lonely it made me feel. His answer was: "well, that's your fault, what can you expect? You decided to leave Madrid a long time ago".

While it was maybe not his intention, his answer did hurt me. I didn't want anybody to get out of their way to help me. It would have been amazing if someone was there to take me back home, but I didn't expect it. We all have busy lives, and that's totally OK. I was just talking about my feelings at that time.

And even though time changes things, I can't agree with that answer. If one of my friends needed me, and I could help them, time and probably even space won't be an issue. I'd help.

During the years, I've made friends from all around the world, and even in the distance, we keep in touch. I've received more help from my friends in Bulgaria or Portugal than from my old friends (or even family for that matter) from Spain. True friendship, in my opinion, survives through time... And space.

Your true family isn't always the one you're born into. Sometimes, your closest friends aren't the ones you've known the longest.

You Have The Right To...

What's more, I think we all have the right to make mistakes. If you're like me and can't help but judge yourself harshly, let me remind you something:

You have the right to...

• Make mistakes
• Be absent for a while and come back
• Have your own opinions and respect but don't not necessarily agree with the opinions of others
• Change your mind, and then change your mind again
• Try to change what you don't like
• Ask for help
• Feel pain and show it openly
• Not having to justify yourself
• Be sad, or lonely, or furious
• Take time to stop and think what you want to do
• Do less than you are capable of
• Have your own needs that are as important as anybody else's

You Are Not Alone

One of the messages I received resonated particularly with me. Her point was simple yet powerful: You Are Not Alone.

So I just wanted to thank you all for helping me understand that, and also convey a message of hope. No matter how lonely you may occasionally feel. You are NOT alone. Every little thing that you do to help someone, everything you share with others, every person you meet, every friend you make, everyone you know... All of them can, in some way, be there for you.

They may not be that person you want to hold in your arms, or that friend that can take you back home in their car from the hospital, but everybody can offer some consolation, thought, or word that will help you. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture matters.

Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help, if you need it. And do help others when they truly need you.