I created a little fantasy in my mind that the moment I released echoes.com.au into the world I would receive my very first order from a member of my immediate family, that was not to be.

In my eyes this would show their pride and support in what I had created whilst working full time, raising kids and taking care of a home amongst mannyyy other things. That is the problem with creating fantasies and having expectations, it is a sure way to also create disappointment. Why? Because we expect people to treat us the way we want to be treated and not how they think they should treat us. More on “how we like to be treated & how we treat others” on a different day!

Support comes in many different ways. The way you want to be supported is probably different to mine, and that’s ok! What’s important is to listen, listen to how the person needing support is asking for it. I for one was/am BAD at asking for support of any kind, I’m getting better but I still have a long way to go. This comes from years of being told (directly & indirectly) some nasty and very hurtful things. I developed this “tough skin” kind of approach to all areas of my life and went out there to prove that I WAS GOOD ENOUGH and could and would be ok even with no support. This resulted in doing most things in life alone, never even asking for help (when I should have) from those closest to me that love me unconditionally. I suffered many times for being this way but, at the time it was the only way I knew how to be to protect myself from ever feeling unsupported and alone again because…it’s a f&@%en bad feeling.

If you’re like me and are now able to ask for support and what you need from time to time hats off to you! I know just how much pride and fear you need to put aside to do that. Warning though, many times you find the courage to say what you need only to be dismissed as if you were asking for too much, you’re not though. You just walked through fear to make yourself vulnerable by doing something you could never do before, that’s not asking for too much, that is strength. Those that choose to love you and support you THEIR way after you clearly broke through pride & fear to voice what YOU need will always find a way to make you feel your being ungrateful. Don’t fall for it, these people are still on a path of growth and have a long way to go. If anyone is being ungrateful it is them who in their own pride could not appreciate the gift you gave them of being raw and vulnerable before their very eyes.

So don’t just hear…listen with your ears, eyes, body and soul. It takes A LOT for some people to speak up and say what they need, show gratitude by giving them the time of day, by applying what it is they need if you truely care and love them. And if you don’t understand or think they are being unreasonable with their request, communicate. Ask questions and take the time to understand their why, if they are important to you encourage their step into vulnerability instead of shutting them down. You have a choice, your choice will either push them closer or…push them away.

My very first…order at echoez.com.au came from someone I should have expected but was too caught up in my little fantasy to even, well, expect it!

My friend first and my ex boss second, Stephen Harris has always supported not only little life ventures my family and I have embarked on but, also the ventures of those close to us that we care about. I see Stephen doing this with every person he cares about and or believes in, he is truely a being of light and kindness.

I am grateful for Stephen being the first to place an order, it proves that some people are truely consistent in how they support and care, no matter what they are going through they will always show up. This isn’t only about an “order” though, Stephen also provided feedback on the site when asked and sent the video below of him receiving his Echoez letters in the post. Gratitude is an understatement, thank you from the bottom of my heart Stephen.

With Kindness,

Roberta Lettieri