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Preface:
"You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated."
This quote is perfect for many reasons. So many of us face life with many challenges and feel defeated and that's okay, just as long you understand that one loss should not leave you defeated.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou for inspiring many generations of people and reminding us that we are all valuable.
Every single day I face the challenge of living in fear vs. living in hope. The world we live in today is not the same as it was 50 years ago. Heck it's not the same way it was 5 years ago. Or maybe it is. Maybe the world isn't changing maybe it's our attitudes. Our perspectives. Maybe it's our reactions that have made the world the way it is.
I see a lot of pain, I see a lot of regret, I see a lot of fear, and I see a lot of hurt. I see all these things in the area that I work in (geriatrics) but I also see these things in my own life. It is a scary thought to be in a place where you don't know your purpose or better yet you don't understand it. In a world where we are slowly approaching seclusion I am learning that all that we as human beings yearn for is love and acceptance. The only thing that makes us all different is our approach.
This year I have learned a lot about myself and my perception of the world. It is so easy to judge someone else's actions while praising your own. It is so simple to identify with societal norms and be apart of a pact. It is even easier to compare yourselves with other people. But why?
Why is it so easy to judge someone but difficult to compliment them? Why is it so simple to talk but hard to listen? Why is it so easy to come up with excuses but difficult to fight against the grain and stand for something? Have we forgotten how to be compassionate? Or are we compassionate when it affects or personal life or when someone dies?
Have you ever been told that you're not good enough or you're not smart enough for that? Maybe you've been told you're not tall enough or skinny enough. You might have been told you won't make it or you'll never become CEO. Maybe you've been told you're too stupid or you're too mean. Maybe you're too masculine or too feminine. Have you been told you'll never pass that class? Or you'll never get that job?
When did we become so bitter? When did we forget to share love and encouragement? Have we forgotten the power of hope?
One person may have told you some hurtful things in your life and you believed them. Maybe at the point in your life they were right, but what if they weren't right about you? People are ever changing and if you're not changing you know how the saying goes..."you're not growing. " Never give up on you! You can lose hope you can lose your dignity but don't ever give up on yourself. Nothing lasts forever. Whoever told you that you weren't good enough or that you couldn't make it lied. They LIED!
If you wake up each morning you are making it. If you are able to see the world you are making it. Don't let your current circumstance be your death sentence. Everytime we fall down there is a chance to get back up. You may not always be able to do it alone,but maybe that's a good thing.
I am going to talk about myself for a moment. For those of you who do not know me I either appear to be a totally friendly person or I am unapproachable. I have been told by many family members that my facial expressions can make me appear disinterested. It's something I am working on. Anyway to get back on topic. I am a very self-conscetious person. Every time I say something or I start a new task I perseverate over it. Many times I envision something negative. Some call it being pessimistic I call it being a realist. Anyway, either way every time I'm negative I am killing an opportunity to help make this world a better place. If every person worked towards being nice and approachable and loving maybe we could help those who have little love and a lot of hate.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I couldn't have made it through this journey without family, friends, and this blog. This blog is here for a reason. My life changed 10 weeks ago. My perspective about the world changed since then too. I fell down physically finally catching up with my emotional journey. My foundation was shaken and my soul was awakened. There is so much in life to be angry about but nothing should take your hope and love away. I was angry about a lot of things in my life. I was living in fear. I was trying to please everybody. I was anxious and afraid. More than any of that, I was loved; I was encouraged; I was uplifted, and most importantly I was given a second chance.
I am learning that life is an unpredictable journey. When you realize that you are an important piece of life's scattered puzzle maybe then you'll understand the importance of YOU. Even when it seems like life is throwing you under the bus don't give up. The fight you are fighting is not yours alone. It's normal to want to throw in the towel and escape to a fantasy world but then you'll miss the bigger picture. When everything seems like it is falling apart and you're feeling unworthy;remind yourself that your life has purpose. It is up to YOU to give into the journey called life and find that purpose.
If you liked what you've read share it. Share it amongst friends or family. Maybe even put your own spin on this weeks post. If I have been lucky enough to inspire you please do your part and inspire someone else. You never know when you may encounter someone on the verge of giving up.
Thank you for the continued love and support and for allowing me to share my personal thoughts. When I began this journey I just thought I was an occupational therapist going on a journey to recovery. I never thought that I would learn about my life's journey; this is just the beginning.
