Feeling invisible- encouragement when you feel like unseen

I know a woman who feels unseen

like no one hears or cares about her deep struggle and sorrow.

I know a woman who feels fake

because she thinks people only want to see her happy instead of her reality.

I know a woman who grieves

and feels like others put a timetable on death and she is supposed to fit a mold and return to “normal”.

I know a woman who feels alone

as if people find her invisible and unworthy.

I know a woman who feels like the worst mom ever

and believes that other moms “have it together” but she constantly blows it.

I know a woman who feels like her marriage sucks

but must keep it hidden for fear of judgment and empty platitudes of advice.

I know a woman who lives with regret

for all the things she wishes she’d done perfectly but didn’t.

Is feeling invisible normal?

You can likely relate to these women, and perhaps, you feel like a compilation of them all combined.

She could be you. She could be me.

Once upon a time, we had coffee with friends while taking a break from housework. Face-to-face interactions with neighbors who genuinely asked about our days with interest.

We made phone calls with questions and could hear something “off” in a familiar voice.

Advancements in technology are amazing, incredibly useful and fun. Yet, there is a certain risk of isolation that people seem to feel.

Without those common, ordinary interactions, social media feeds seem like the “norm” instead of a crafted moment meant to inspire (not give a comparison model).

How can we support someone feeling invisible?

Many feel unseen, unloved, and unnoticed.

We can change that, and the first step is being aware that too many of our friends and acquaintances feel like everyone is too busy to care.

We can do better!

I hear people tell me they don’t have one person in the world they believe really, truly has their best interest at heart. Let’s open our eyes and ears to the unspoken around us.

If you relate and feel like you want to be better understood?

Please, and I mean this ever so gently, remember that none of us knows unless the walls come down, and we are invited in.

An open letter to someone feeling invisible

Dear woman who feels like no one sees really sees her,

Deception is a liar. Your worth is inestimable, even when you feel unworthy. Your marriage is not the sum of one bad season. Your parenting isn’t dependent on being a Pinterest worthy mother.

Your lack of perfection is no worse, no different than anyone else. Your past doesn’t define you or dictate your future. Incredible burdens come and go; whatever is hard right now will not last forever.

Beauty comes from ashes.

You are special. People you never will know about see you and feel your story. Prayers are powerful and you might be the recipient of more than you will hear of (and if you have no one to pray for you? Contact me; I’d be honored to pray for your need).

All friends start out as strangers. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

Be courageous and find a group to encourage you as a mother, a wife, and a friend. A daughter, a community member, and a dreamer.

If you don’t find what you need right away, don’t give up. People care about each other. Don’t ever, ever fall for the crappy news stories and editorials telling us the world sucks. People are just mean and hateful, etc.

Of course, there are such people…every crowd has them. However, the world is full of beautiful humans that want to love you. To help you. To not judge you. Keep trying.