This week’s challenge involved focusing on kindness role models. In the most difficult moments of our lives, the kindness from others is of utmost importance. While there are so many kind people in my life, I really wanted to focus on one person.
I met “Elle” while we were both in the thick of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. As the weeks went by, we found solace in each other’s pain and shared experiences, and I found comfort through her words and support. I truly believe that she (among so many others) helped me through the darkest moments of my life.
Dear Elle,
I remember the first day we met. It’s strange but, it seems that in the most painful moments, we found comfort in knowing that someone was feeling the same.
Without hesitation, you offered to become my friend. I, however, was hesitant, because I am always reluctant when I meet new people. You, on the other hand, were open and supportive from the start.
You never judged me or other people for the things that PPD and PPA made us feel or do. If anyone had an issue, you made sure that you were there for them.
You helped me through my issues and forced me to look outside my comfort zone. Our daily texts made me feel less alone. I was comforted by the fact that I could confide in you.
During group sessions, you gave your honest feedback and reflections, in hopes that you could help someone else. You were one of the first to offer support and friendship to others You were selfless even in your own time of need.
As we got better, you helped me conquer my fears. You encouraged me when I was pessimistic and disheartened. You tried to do so many things on your own, and inspired others to do so. You became a role model and began to reach out to others.
I think it’s pretty obvious why you’re a kindness role model. Not many people have the same strength that you do. How many of us can turn a time of pain into opportunity to help others? How many of us instinctively reach out and befriend those in need?
You are kind without hesitation. You are strength in moments of weakness. You are a true friend to those who need you.
Elle, there are so many painful and hurtful things that come from PPD and PPA. Despite that, it gave me our friendship. We may have never met if not for our shared experience. I have learned so much from you in such a short time. Thank you….thank you for showing me what it is to be truly and selflessly kind.
This Mommy is Real 
I’m glad that you have Elle in your life! Her kindness to you is part of what makes life worth living! And kudos to you for taking time to post and thank her. I’m sure she appreciates you very much. 🙂
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Thank you! I was excited to have her read it
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This is beautiful. Kindness can make all the difference in the world!
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Thank you! Couldn’t agree more!
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Finding someone to confide in especially in times of difficulty is a battle on it’s own. I’m glad there are people around like Elle to help out. ♥
xoxo, Young Love Mommy
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Me too mama!
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this is lovely-every mom needs a friend like this!
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Yes. You’re absolutely right!
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You must feel very lucky to have a friend like that! Everybody needs “that” friend and I’m so glad Elle was there for you when you needed her!
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Yes! So very lucky!
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It’s always a blessing to have someone like that walk into your life…. Having someone we can count on no matter what is so important…
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Yes, and it’s just as important to cherish them!
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Elle sounds like a lovely friend, lucky you for getting to meet her! 🙂
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Yes I’m very thankful!
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What a lovely note of friendship. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you!
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This is such a lovely post. I love having others in my life who make me feel so important and special. Kindness goes a long way!
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Thanks! It’s so important to have people like that.
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I love that you do a kindness challenge. It is so important to help others feel good so that they may return the favor.
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I really recommend it. The first three weeks you focus on yourself and the latter in others! Check out therichnessofasimplelife.wordpress.com for info !
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A lovely piece, so glad you could share it with us.
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Thank you!
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Such a lovely post!! I’m so glad you had such a wonderful person there for you. I’m sure she was delighted to get your letter! It’s so nice to be recognized for something you did purely out of the kindness of your heart
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Yes, I really wanted her to know how much impact she had. She loved it.
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Always a beautiful thing when you have kind people like that in your life ❤
Kimberly
http://www.brunchandgloss.com
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It’s even better when we pay it forward! 💙
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Having close friends, especially when they come out of the blue is so important. Elle obviously was sent to you, and you to her for a reason. Glad you found someone to help lighten your soul during your Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. Thank you for sharing this post :)!
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I love that thought that we were meant to meet!
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What a lovely note. I’m so glad you had that support when you needed it. And recognizing that gift of kindness that allows you to expand into your own kindness is truly something special to celebrate.
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Yes! Now, I look forward to helping others as she has helped me!
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I love this Kindness Challenge! What a great idea! Friends are the best! It’s great to have someone around to just discuss the muddiness of life. Anxiety, depression and babies can make life interesting, to say the least, so sometimes, it’s just that simple, hey u alive? text sometimes that can change the day. BTW, I like your writing style, you did a fantastic job describing exactly what a great person Elle is as well as what a great friend she is. I’m glad you too found each other 🙂
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Thank you so much for your uplifting words! You’re so right..even that text makes a difference! I really recommend the challenge. It puts a wonderful new perspective on yourself and how to treat others. If it interests you, please check therichnessofasimplelife.wordpress.com
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Back in the sixties when I was going through my pregnancies I believe I had a period of post-partum depression. There was no awareness of it back then so there way no support at all. I’m so glad mothers are getting the well-deserved support they need. 🙂
http://www.meinthemiddlewrites.com
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It’s so terrible to think it was that way for women in the past! We do have support now, but awareness and education is still a bit lacking. The work continues !
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How beautiful. For someone who suffers with Anxiety, it is always nice to have someone who understands and can stand by your side through it all.
So lovely that you had that support and friendship. ❤
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Yes, it was a really important piece of my recovery! I’m forever thankful.
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I think having positive people around you helps, it makes you want to do better and be kinder too. I’m glad you met Elle!
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Yes! Positivity makes a huge difference! I know a few people (I used to be one) whose first response was always negative. That never helped anything and made us feel defeated. Positivity wins!
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It’s always nice to have someone to lean on when you need it most. Glad Elle was there for you.
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Thank you! It is so wonderful to have that support.
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