This is so embarrassing, but I'm sharing it anyway

I fell on my face (literally) in the middle of a campus tour.
(I'm fine. Except for my pride. And my knees. My knees are not fine.)

One minute I'm walking along enjoying this gorgeous day with my family and the next I'm on my knees on the pavement. Then, the vertigo I've been struggling with kicked in and things got serious as I couldn't get my bearings or even sit up without someone holding me.

Eventually, I got myself sorted out, bandaged, and hydrated. That's when SHE showed up.You might know her actually...SHE is that nasty voice inside your head who starts calling out all kinds of ugly and untrue things when you're at a low point. SHE is the voice of negative self-talk...and she's a real b*tch.

Here's the highlight reel from my time waiting for first aid:

• I can't believe you FELL, that's what happens to old ladies.

• You're so dumb. Why weren't you paying attention?

• You look like an idiot walking around with bloody knees.

• You totally embarrassed your kids. You look like such a dork.

• You should really be in better shape, then this wouldn't have happened.

Friends, I fell because I was in a hurry... wearing flip flops ... and looking ahead to the building we were supposed to be at next.  It's not like it was a moral failing, I just tripped!

You may have noticed that SHE shows up when we unexpectedly find ourselves on our knees.

Maybe you found yourself unexpectedly on your knees because you:

• Lost your job

• Got a surprising health diagnosis

• Didn't land the "ideal" job or client

• Ended an important relationship

• Moved your last kid to college

• Woke up and realized this isn't the life you wanted

It can happen in an instant or it could have been coming for some time. Regardless, when it happens it is jarring, disorienting, and hard.

You will get up again.

SHE will poke at all of your insecurities and play on your fears.

You know better.

So, sit on the ground for a bit, get your bearings, bandage your knees, and ask for help.

You've got this.

Recognize that those lies you hear aren't true. This is part of being human. Sometimes we're up enjoying the beautiful weather and the next moment we are on our knees.  It happens. Be loving to yourself along the journey, my friend.

I was reminded of this Lovingkindness Prayer this week. I've been saying it regularly as a reminder to myself to go gently.  May it support you this week as well!

Here is a link to a beautiful audio with the background of the prayer and a spoken reading if you're interested!