Taking the Time

I believe in the power of a good conversation. These conversations can take place in times of sorrow, happiness, or boredom. They can be with friends, family, or strangers. One conversation in particular helped me come to this realization and changed my life in many ways.

It was sunny Sunday afternoon and I was coming home from church with my mom. The sun outside was shinning but my self-esteem was dark and cloudy. I found myself doubting my personality and spirituality. I was comparing myself to other people and saying things like “how can they even be friends with me? I am no where near as fun or spiritual as them”. These feelings were racing through my body and I needed a self-esteem boost.

We drove into the garage and my mom turned off the car. We started to talk about the past weekends activities in detail. A mother with only one child left always tries to live vicariously through her child. I then began to proceed to tell her about the feelings I was having. She was shocked and would have never guessed that I was feeling this way. She began to then tell me the things I needed to hear. She said in a firm voice “Jenna, you are an amazing friend and have so much to offer people. Don’t ever think you are not good enough for someone. Instead of comparing yourself to other people strive to be the best YOU can be”. Her words hit me like a freight train. I needed that reassurance and wake up call. Her strong words helped me to understand that I needed to focus on being the best me.

It wasn’t only the words that helped but it was her time. This conversation lasted for about three hours and she could have said she was too busy or too tired to talk at that moment. Many conversations to follow this experience have helped shape my life and change who I am. Some have lasted a few minutes and others for hours. They have been with family members, best friends, and complete strangers. No matter the length of the conversation or who it is with, the time that a person gives to listen to another is when the true power comes out.