A Certain Ring

1-(800)Heather

“Operators are standing by.”

That is how I often see my life.  An outreach resource. Problems solved. Questions answered. Sympathetic ears available.

And I like it. Perhaps I love it. It certainly is life affirming for me.

Does it tie into my co-dependence? Most certainly!! Yet the tenor has changed in the nearly three years of my writing this blog. From the outside looking in it may not seem like a seismic shift, but internally it appears to be impressive.

For the majority of my life, I provided the service not only when the phone rang or a friend came over, but also offered outreach calls. As a matter of fact, the outreach program was a major part of the activity. Opening files for each friend or acquaintance with their specific needs, worries, troubles, and issues. Then like all good service people, I had an extensive follow-up procedure. Checking, re-checking and then checking one more time for good measure. Managing their needs superseded my own. It worked for a long time, and I enjoyed the business model. Then I finally hit the wall spectacularly with the sister-in-law in 2020. In fairness, it had very little to do with her and so much to do with me and my need to rescue.

The new business model is better. Most of the calls now are incoming. Someone needs help writing something. Another needs to talk through a conundrum they are experiencing. A need for a different perspective is popular along with just plain old “I’m stuck.” These are easier now because they no longer need a file opened up because the interaction is in the moment and then they are on their own to cogitate on their preferred approach or outcome.

We all need someone on the other end of the phone. That person who will listen and mirror back what they are hearing or what they think is the issue. Most do not need another to solve their problems, but just a sounding board to bounce thoughts off of and get a better look at a dilemma.  I know I need that as well.

So, the lines are open as are the ears and the heart. We are no longer accepting the charges, but the calls are still free.