When Real Family Are Always There… Distance Doesn’t Matter
She didn’t hesitate—and I didn’t need to ask twice.
Hello, I’m Jenn, and if you’re new here, welcome to Naturally Healing. In this space I explore mindful slow living for wellbeing, the power of nature to help us heal, and the importance of showing up as our authentic selves. Here, you’ll find honest reflections, personal stories, and a reminder to prioritise what truly matters—our health, our peace, and the way we live each day. I post twice a week: Tuesday is all about Authenticity Unfiltered, where we dive into honest, real conversations about living authentically, embracing imperfections, and showing up as our true selves. Fridays are our Wellness Edit, where we explore all things related to healing and wellness, with a special focus on the power of nature. Thanks for reading 🤎
Over the past few days, I found myself caught up in a situation that needed sorting—one of those things that throws you off balance and makes you stop for a moment. And even as I sat with the overwhelm, unsure of my next move, my heart already knew who I could turn to.
My cousin lives over 200 miles away. That might not sound like much in some parts of the world, but in the UK, it’s quite a stretch. Still, I sent her a quick message explaining what was going on—and within three minutes she replied. No hesitation. No fuss. Just there. Offering support, calm, and solutions.
It reminded me of something I already knew deep down: when the connection is real, the miles don’t matter. We don’t speak every day. Sometimes, weeks slip by without a message. Life is busy. But that bond has never weakened—it’s solid, rooted in shared childhood summers, fairground visits, and long afternoons spent shopping and giggling over nothing. We grew up together, and even though our grown-up lives have taken us in different directions, we carry that shared history like a thread that keeps us tied.
There’s something incredibly grounding about knowing you have your person—that one family member you can reach out to, whether it’s something big or small. No judgment. No need for long explanations. Just someone who gets you.
That moment, that reply—it meant more than I can explain. There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing that someone will show up for you, even from miles away. That you can reach out in a moment of need and know you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter that we don’t live close. It doesn’t matter that we don’t speak every day. The bond is there. Quiet. Strong. Steady.
And it reminded me of something I’m deeply grateful for: I’m lucky enough to have a few people like that in my life. Not a huge circle—just a few. But they are the people I can turn to without fear of being judged or dismissed. The ones who will come through in a crisis or simply check in when they sense something’s not quite right.
That kind of support system isn’t flashy. It’s not always loud or visible. It’s not about big gestures or constant contact. It’s about trust. It’s about history and shared experience and unconditional care. It’s the knowledge that, no matter what, you’ve got someone in your corner.
In a world where we’re often encouraged to be independent, to “handle it ourselves,” there’s something beautifully human about asking for help—and even more beautiful about someone offering it so willingly. No guilt. No shame. Just love in action.
My situation is now sorted. It’s resolved, and I feel at peace again. But more than that, I feel held. Supported. Grateful. Because sometimes all it takes is a short message, a fast reply, and a reminder that real love doesn’t rely on daily contact or physical closeness.
And it’s not lost on me that not everyone has that kind of person. I’ve been in times where I felt more isolated, where I wasn’t sure who I could turn to. So, when I say I’m thankful, I really mean it. Because those relationships—those quiet, solid, dependable connections—are a lifeline. They don’t need to be loud or performative. They just need to be real.
So, here’s to the cousins who reply in three minutes. The friends who send a voice note because they know a text won’t do. The people who show up even when they’re tired, or busy, or hundreds of miles away. The family that may not live down the road but live close to your heart.
Real family—your people—are always there. And when that’s the case, distance simply doesn’t matter. Not even a little bit.
Thank you for reading.
Take care,
Jenn x