When Small Gestures Speak the Loudest

I’ve been fighting invisible battles for a while now, and lately, I feel so worn out that even the things that used to bring me joy feel out of reach. I don’t have the mental or physical capacity for much at all.

Sometimes, I feel like a broken tree stump—useless and lifeless, as though the weight of its crown was too much to bear, and it cracked, losing its once-beautiful branches. It feels like the stump is rotting away, taking up space with no purpose. But deep down, I know that stump isn’t dead. It still has roots. It’s still alive, capable of growing back into a strong, thriving tree. It just feels too depleted, too worn down to believe in that possibility right now.

Today, I received this card from a friend and it reminded me that there are people who still see me as that tree. People who truly understand me, even in my silence. People who don’t need explanations - they just get me even when I don't say anything at all, who stand by me no matter what, and who remind me of my strength on the days when I feel so far from it.

I feel deeply moved by these small reminders that I matter, especially on the days when I need them most. These moments don’t just highlight the care behind them—they also remind me how fortunate I am to have connections that ground me. It’s often the smallest, most thoughtful acts that hold the greatest meaning, lifting me when I feel at my lowest and offering a quiet reassurance that I’m not alone.

I hope everyone is fortunate enough to have at least one friend like my friend Lee in their life. If you do, don’t forget to tell them how much they mean to you. And if you’re feeling alone, unseen, or unheard right now, please know that someone out there cares deeply for you—even if it doesn’t feel that way.