Written by Guest Blogger and Fellow Warrior, Manuel L.
Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you felt like everything was crashing down around you? The world as you knew it came to a screeching halt and left you alone and confused with no one there to understand you or your situation. In times like these, your mind can go to some very dark places. It can make you feel hopeless, alone, and ready to give up on living. Simple daily tasks feel impossible and even taking another breath can be too much to handle. Painful circumstances can sweep in like a whirlwind, hitting so hard and so fast that there is little time to react. In the aftermath, you view the wreckage, fall to your knees, and cry out to the skies, “How can this be real? Now what?”
I have been there, hiding in plain sight behind a smiling mask because I was afraid to show my true self in public. I have battled PTSD while being triggered by the smallest things like sights, smells and sounds. I have engaged in self harm, considered suicide, contemplated life, and wondered how my small insignificant existence can fit into the grand scheme of it all. I have also been the life of the party, but deep down, the saddest person in the room. Life was a relentless tormentor and it seemed like the pain would never end. I could not see light at the end of the tunnel and was haunted by the endless questions, “What have I done to deserve this?”. “Was God picking on me?”. “Was I being punished?”. “Why me? WHY? WHY? WHY?”
Life can be hard and challenging at times. We all face difficulties, obstacles, and setbacks in various aspects of our lives, (personal relationships, health, work, and finances). Through these tough times I learned how to come out stronger in the end, and you can, too.
Here are some ways I was able to cope and overcome my unique struggles. Keep in mind:
These challenges can be overwhelming and cause stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Though these emotions should be recognized and felt, don’t ruminate;
You have the strength and resilience to push through these challenges;
Facing challenges and overcoming them is an inherent part of life;
It is through these experiences that you learn, grow, and develop resilience. You WILL be better from it, you WILL be stronger; and
It's important to maintain a positive outlook and find ways to cope with the challenges you face. This may involve seeking support from friends and family, practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, or developing problem-solving skills.
Ultimately, while life can be tough, it's important to recognize that we have the ability to overcome and create a fulfilling life for ourselves.
My favorite quote is by Nietzsche, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”
Consider these things that helped me during my challenging times:
Focus on goals: Think about what you want to achieve and why it is important to you. Use this as motivation to keep going, especially when things get tough;
Take little steps: Break down big challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make it easier to get started and help you feel like you're making progress. Be 1% better each day;
Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential when you're facing challenges. This can include activities like eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy;
Seek support: It's okay to ask for help when you need it. This can be from friends, family, a therapist, or a support group. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference; and
Stay positive: Try to focus on the positive things in your life, even when things are tough. Practice gratitude and remind yourself of the things that you are thankful for.
Believe in yourself and never give in. Remember, challenges are a normal part of life, and it is okay to struggle. Seek help when you need it. Strength is not always standing alone, but having the courage to admit you are hurting and need assistance.
With determination and the help of others, I was able to fight through many of life’s challenges.
I am a survivor, I am a warrior, and I am strong. YOU ARE TOO!
I’ll leave you with my favorite quote by Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Related Content
Commentaires