Navigating Through Life

Tonight I feel compelled to share what’s on my mind.

Life has been hard lately. For me, for my family, friends, and maybe some of you, too. I don’t know about you; but, I’ve felt beat down, defeated, washed out & hung up to dry. This year has been hard. But I’m still here and prodding along; with a very strong purpose. I feel obligated to share my struggles and connect with people on a much deeper level than ever before. In order to connect with someone personally, I have to be honest & have solid communication. With that being said, I’d like to share a slight bit of information about myself. My ultimate goal would be to reach someone who may relate to my post and realize there are better days ahead. I don’t claim to have it all together, but, over the years I’ve started to learn how to ride out the storm. It’s not easy, but, I’m still holding on and that’s all that matters.

I’m not sure if it’s part of the grieving process ( with losing my mom ) but my senses are amplified to the max. Loud noise will send me into a panic & I’ve recently become comfortable with silence, more so than ever. It allows me time to sit back and think; and to discover my purpose. I’ve learned that it’s easier to handle someone else’s problems rather than facing my own. It’s easy to point out my own flaws but I find total happiness in building someone else up. I’ve struggled with high functioning anxiety for as long as I can remember. I used to avoid being in crowds. If my house is dirty I won’t sleep. If I don’t sleep I’m extremely irritable. I’m a people pleaser but I also don’t care what anyone thinks. I’m open minded but strongly opinionated over topics that mean the most to me. I’m a mess. But I’m also a role model to my family. I’ve been on the receiving end of heartache and have also been a shoulder to cry on for others.

Over the years, for different reasons; life has knocked me down time and time again. Through relationship breakups to losing my mom, the situations have all been challenging in different ways. I’ve hit rock bottom & I’ve also been at the very top. Being the over-thinker and perfectionist that I am, it’s been extremely difficult to rationalize with why I’ve been dealt the cards that I have. I’ve been through a lot and at times have wanted to give up. It was hard for me to accept that life isn’t fair and that people won’t always give you the same respect you give. But ITS OK, I am ok. Hear me out and keep reading… Life has taught me so much about myself and the personal growth I’ve seen within, and now it all makes sense.

Here’s the thing. Life can knock you down and it can make you bitter. You can become self absorbed and not considerate of others. But the most rewarding thing of all is that life can humble you. You can use your struggles to help others. You have absolutely nothing to lose by doing that; so why wouldn’t you? That’s why I’m here. I’ve discovered my purpose. I’ve found an inner strength to speak openly about mental illness & I want to strongly encourage anyone facing difficult times; to please keep going. If you’ve read this far, I’m sure you’ve faced a difficult time in life and maybe you’re starting to relate.

Try and imagine the hardest thing you’ve ever been through. Do you remember how you felt when someone reached out to let you know they cared? It’s a good feeling just to know you aren’t alone. Regardless of how you view someone’s struggles, they still need supportive people around to encourage them, to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You can be that motivation that someone needs. & how special would it be to know YOU could make that difference in someone else’s life?

If you feel led to make a difference today; do me a favor (and it’s a very simple one.) Instead of spreading negativity and hatefulness across your timeline; look for someone to uplift and encourage. I’m sure you will come across a post that you disagree with or can’t relate to:: Before you react, just try to put yourself in that persons shoe and offer words of kindness. Believe it or not, you may turn their day around and give them hope to keep fighting through their battles.

The bottom line is you never know what someone is going through. Instead of judging them and making negative remarks, just be kind. Whatever they are going through must be difficult to them, and remember, it could just as well happen to you. Don’t feel that you are above someone else because life can change in the blink of an eye. Stay humble friends.