Secrets. We all have them. Little secrets, big ones, and vast in-between ones. Some are family secrets, skeletons hidden in the closet, or maybe only whispered during family reunions or get-togethers. Some are secrets about our past exploits that we feel our loved ones would lose respect for us should they learn of them. Some are secrets we hold in trust for others, the ones we listen to with compassion, with empathy, and with infinite tenderness. Then there are the fun secrets – the ones that hold good news, like what I got you for Christmas, or a particular question we know our friend is about to pop to his gal, or that someone is expecting a special delivery – in about nine months.

The trouble with secrets is they are hard to hold onto. Most of us can usually carry them for a good long time if we have to, especially if someone else entrusted you with it. But if it’s our own secret, we eventually feel we have to share it with someone or bust – or maybe that’s just me.   Because secrets can become a really heavy burden. If you are lucky enough, you have someone in your life that you can spill the beans to who’s a better secret keeper than you.   Then your load becomes a little lighter and sometimes a little healing can begin if it’s that kind of a secret.   Or if it’s good news, like telling what Christmas presents you bought for the family, you just feel better, and still know the secret is safe because you just told your hubby and he couldn’t care less.

If you have a good support system in place, you are golden, because there’s always a friend, loved one, or even a pastor there for you when you need them.   If you don’t have that in your life, you need one, so get out there and start building one. It’s really not as hard as you think. Make a friend or reconnect with old friends, and talk regularly. Volunteer at someplace you care about. Join a support group, or join a group where you can practice your favorite hobby. Join a friendly church, where you’ll meet a lot of caring folks.   There are so many ways to build your support system. Everyone needs one, and building one for yourself can be as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.

Feeling blessed today for my support system.