October 3rd, 2012 
LeeAnn Within the last couple of years, I have come to a very significant realization.
Everyone has issues.
For me, this understanding has changed my life.
It has helped me to build meaningful and deep relationships with some incredible people.
In the past, there have been times I have looked at someone and thought that he or she had the perfect life … or body … or job … or relationship. I am not proud to admit that there were times I felt envy or jealousy with those thoughts.
Envy and jealousy are not emotions which are conducive to friendships, relationships or happiness (or really anything positive).
Through experience, I am now more apt to recognize struggles, insecurity, hardship, unhappiness or tragedy in a person. And instead of envy and jealousy for the positive aspects of their lives, I feel empathy … compassion … a desire to assist … and admiration for the way that people deal with these issues.
Please understand that I am not saying that I take pleasure in the problems of other people. I am not and I do not.
Instead, it has provided a basis on which to connect with others. It has, in a sense, leveled the playing field for me. Despite what it may seem at first, we are all so much alike, and we all have so much to learn from each other.
I also realized that, in order to truly connect with another, I needed to share my own struggles, insecurities and hardships. That is not something that I had done in the past.
I like to think that maybe this is growth.
I have found that there is so much strength to be gained not only from helping others, but also from making yourself vulnerable to another, and receiving advice and assistance.
As you may know from an earlier post of mine, I am entering into a new business venture about which I am very excited. My announcement of this to my friends and family was met with enthusiasm, for the most part. I’m also planning to invest in business intelligence tools. And to start my business in Alaska, I need to file the alaska articles of incorporation, which officially establishes my corporation and allows me to operate legally.
Then a virtual office in Manchester is an excellent choice for home-based businesses looking to establish a credible presence. It offers a professional address and additional services. For more details, check out https://virtually-there.net/virtual-offices/manchester/.
There were a few, though, who were less than enthused. I pushed them on the issue, because if the reaction was due to a fear that I could address or prepare for, I wanted to know.
Instead, what I felt was resentment and a bit of anger.
I have thought about those reactions quite a bit in the past month.
And I wonder if my inability to share my issues in the past has left some with the false impression that I don’t have any. That perhaps life has come very easily to me.
If so, I want to set the record straight. My life has been very good and I am blessed. And I try to be grateful of that constantly. But it has not been without struggles.
Hello, my name is LeeAnn and I have issues.
I have struggled with eating disorders, with balance, and with periods of unhappiness. I have endured relationships that were hurtful and break-ups that almost crushed me. I have been sad, scared and angry – and I do not mean fleeting emotions. I still experience insecurity and doubts on a regular basis.
I have worked very hard for my achievements – sometimes too hard and have possibly sacrificed too much.
Knowing the above, I hope and pray that it enables you to have compassion for me and to truly share in my successes and hold my hand through the failures.
Because I so want to do that with you.
Posted in 
This makes my heart hurt. For you. With you. I am so sorry to hear that you’ve (unfortunately) rubbed up against some of the difficulties others have. It is never comfortable and it leaves you questioning yourself.
I’m looking forward to being able to give you a huge hug in less than a week. And making you laugh over the most recent manifestations of my insane neuroses. 🙂
xx
I cannot wait for my Jenn hug – and for you to make me laugh!!! xoxo
LeeAnn, I am so fortunate to have you as my friend. I hold your heart in my heart.
And I you, my friend – so much.
Omg, Tunie. I am crying. But really every time I read your blog it just speaks to me. You are such an inspiration. I wish you all the best in this new venture and I truly and deeply thank you for your friendship. You have a tremendous gift(s) You deserve every ounce of happiness and support from all those who have been blessed to have you in our lives. You are amazing:-)
Hilary – your response made me cry!! I am so grateful for our friendship! You are an amazing person and an inspiration to me with your strength and accomplishments.
Tunie, I too have issues but more importantly we are human. We are all trying to figure out this crazy thing called life. There isn’t a so called guide and rule book we can review to handle life’s struggles and challenges. Unfortunately, I always learn the right thing the hard way whether it be personal or in business. That being said, you have my support in whatever you do, good or bad!
Hey Brad – that is exactly what I was trying to say. We need to support one another through good and bad, as we are all muddling our way through. If one doesn’t see that, then I think one misses the opportunity to truly connect with others. It took me some time to realize that. Thank you for your kind comment – I appreciate your support. Hope your family is doing well!
Tunie,
Your words are so loud! They echo in my ears and my head hours after I read them. It is astounding to me how similar we are. There are so many struggles we share. That being said, it pisses me off that anyone would be less than supportive of your new venture. I think that your balance of career, marriage, friendships, parenthood (those lucky animals) and opening a new business is nothing but spectacular. I know I speak for so many when I say that I am ecstatic about the next chapter in your life. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever known. It is an honor to call you my friend. I have spent 20 years teaching my children to love and be kind. It takes no effort at all to lift someone up. YOU, my fiend, lift me up all the time. I love you, Tunie, and I am here for you always! I will never judge you. I will just be there in the stands cheering you on! xoxo
Kelly – I have just read your response five times – and am sure that I will read it five more times today. Your words are so incredibly meaningful to me. You have clearly been so successful in raising your girls to be astonishing women. I am in awe of that alone. You are the most incredible cheerleader that I know – of all of the people in your life and you have so many because of who you are. Your posts on facebook alone lift me up – I can feel your energy through them. I love you too – and am so grateful for you in my life. It is a friendship that grows stronger daily through our similarities and common mindsets. xoxo
Your posts always make me laugh, think, reflect, all at the same time! It’s amazing and wonderful. Everyone of us has some issues — some more easily seen than others. It’s easy to look at another person’s life and think they have it better, just because they may have things (or not have things) that we have or don’t have. But as you say, no matter what we have or don’t have, we all are facing some challenge or obstacle or issue. Letting go of the wish for perfection lightens our load and makes it clear that we always have what we need at any given time. You have all you need right now to move to this exciting venture with your new business. As long as you know that, it doesn’t really matter if others see it or not. All the best to you, LeeAnn. I believe in you!
Robin – I love your sentence about letting go of perfection. I had not thought of it that way, but that really resonates with me. Thank you for your support and friendship. Your good wishes and thoughts mean so much to me!!
I am so proud!