The past year has been a series of event after event, after event. I feel like all I did was micromanage a series of paperwork, insurance companies, and other paper trails, or put out fires, whether it was helping a loved one of mine or dealing with damage control of some kind or the other. Financially? Just as hard . . . probably the hardest year I have ever had as a single mother. There were many times where I thought to myself . . .
"When is it going to get better?"
And:
"I'm just failing."
I really doubted if I could handle "one more thing," yet there was life, handing out "one more thing" to me again . . . and again . . . and again!
Here is the good news: I handled it. I am still handling it, and contrary to those negative thoughts of mine, I am not failing. Failing is really just not trying, right? Well, I try. I do more than try. I persist, resist, and insist on moving ahead. But the one thing that really saved me were the friends who told me that it would get better. Eventually, I too started to believe that it would get better and that I could do this.
"See?" said one of my best friends, "Look at all you are doing and handling with such class. I am proud of you." I could do it. Even when times really suck, you need to believe that you will prevail no matter the circumstance, because if you believe it, you will be victorious!
When you're truly in despair, reach out to a friend and spend time with him or her. Ask for support.
Remember, life is cyclical. It will get better. It has to!
You really are your own worst enemy sometimes. Knowing this, don't be your enemy — be your BFF! Try to appreciate how you are handling the bad times. Try to appreciate how you are handling the stress. Champion yourself.
Try to focus on small positives, even if it's the weather or having a good hair day. Eat a piece of delicious chocolate. Find a gorgeous fall leaf.
How long will it really be this bad? Not forever. Everything is temporary. Something good will come from this stormy period.
Life is equal parts perspiration and inspiration, right? If so, stay the course. Don't give up. Those blood, sweat, and tears will pay off!
Just remember all the things you have done, all the things you set out to do, all the ways in which you don't let a little life BS bring you down!
You may think you're failing, but we have all felt that way at some point or another. Just remember when you feel like you have nothing to offer, there is someone who begs to differ. Someone who, whether romantically or as a friend, thinks the world of you.
How would you appreciate the great times without the bad? You wouldn't!
Because even if life currently stinks, you know that you will have your day and time to shine again!