A Letter to Those Who Feel Broken.
In honor of World Mental Health Day…
Dear Friend,
I know that you feel broken. That you wonder why “normal” things are so hard for you to do and it seems like everyone else can handle so much more than you.
Even on your best days, you feel like you’re trudging up stream, fighting against the current. And on your worst, that you’re barely keeping your head above water.
Your shoulders are heavy with the burden of societal, familial, and personal expectations. You can never find peace because everywhere you turn you see evidence of your brokenness.
A messy house or car, laundry that’s never done, dishes that you can’t stay on top of, workouts that get put off, canceled appointments, constant overwhelm, and always feeling like you are living below your potential.
It’s not like a bad day here and there. It’s a way of being. Relentless and exhausting.
The people close to you know that you struggle and they love you but, sometimes they forget. You don’t blame them because you’re good at appearing okay. And frankly, you just don’t talk about it very much.
And if you do, it sounds like whining and complaining. You can hear how it sounds coming out of your mouth. But the truth is, there are no words to describe what you experience.
So what do you do? Well, if you’re reading this, it means you’re still fighting. Your spirit, who you really are, won’t let you give up.
I beg you not to give up. Choose to stay. Choose to live and breathe and know that I see you and I actually do understand.
I may not know exactly what you’re going through but I’ve spent a lot of my life trudging up current and still do.
Dear friend, hear my words! You are not broken! You are meant to be different. You aren’t meant to live the “normal” life or live up to common expectations because you are not common, nor is your purpose.
Or the solution. Life will give you enormous challenges but there are ways to relieve unnecessary suffering. I know, because I’ve experienced that relief and it has brought me so much hope.
You must stop everything and take care of yourself. You probably need more self care than others and that’s okay. Someone with a visible illness has uncommon needs too.
Just start somewhere. Drop anything and everything extra. Take a deep breathe, take a nap, and say a prayer.
Share what’s going on with someone, tell them you need help but don’t know where to begin, get on a waiting list for multiple psychiatrists and therapists.
I have depression
I have ADHD
I have a psychiatrist
I’ve used therapy
I take medication
I have a life coach
I am a life coach.
I pray every day for help beyond my own means and
I am not ashamed
It’s been a long journey and it’s ever evolving but, it’s worth the wrestle.
No matter where you are, there’s always a next step and if you don’t know what that is, reach out to me and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction. Or I’ll simply listen.
You’ve been through the ringer and have some crazy battle scars but when (not if, when) you get to that next step...that better place, you will be perfectly poised to empathize and lift the hearts of others.
The world needs your gifts, your depth, and your heart. You aren’t a burden and you are not broken. You are a priceless soul that cannot be replaced. If you don’t believe it, just trust me for now.
I see you, I love you and I’m praying for you.
Xo, Jo