I have literally hit rock bottom…
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life …”
~ JK Rowling
I have contemplated sharing this for some time, but I felt I owed it to you as I have built my entire life and brand on living in full transparency by reminding you that you can create your own ThinkUP life.
I have been reluctant on sharing about anything related to mental health, mindset, or depression as I have been in the biggest battle of my own mind and life.
I have experienced some serious HIGHS in this season, from radio, television, and national blogging opportunities, to sold-out courses and live events, to amazing opportunities with schools and corporate partners, and of course the “surprise” announcement of a new baby who will be arriving this fall.
While this season has welcomed a number of amazing things, I would be remised not to acknowledge the significant pitfalls and losses that myself and my entire family have experienced in this season. I have literally been hanging on by a string!
I have felt empty and lonely more times than I can count. I have found myself literally having to fight the battle in my own mind harder than I have ever had to fight before. Every step I took forward seemed like I was taking ten steps back. I would also wonder where God was (although I knew he was with me, but the silence at times was deafening). The process has been tough and the journey is beyond hard to simply save the least. Most days, I feel like throwing in the towel and giving all the way up and in, but then I am reminded that the race is not giving to the strong nor to the swift.
I am constantly reminding myself that I do not have to be strong, tough, or even pretend to “have it all together” because I don’t.
However, what I do have is the faith to keep moving forward, the determination to never give in and the tenacity to continue to push through even if it requires more blood, more sweat, and more tears. If I am honest. This is what the “other” side of success looks like.
This is mental health.
This is what it looks and feels like.
Being “healthy mentally” is acknowledging that pain and discomfort do exist, but that you don’t have to succumb and become what you are experiencing.
If you’re feeling down, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to rest and step away for a moment, but you can’t stay down. You must stand up, move forward and fulfill the assignment on your life.
Remember, every season prepares you for the next season, so learn the lessons and keep going.
If you are curious about the three things that I have learned in this “rock bottom” season, here they are:
- Self-care is critical and NOT selfish. Take the time for you. We are not robots and therefore, we do not have to subscribe to the way that the world does things. Take time DAILY to do things that refuel you.
- Evict things that do NOT serve you. If something is no longer working for you or serving you then be BOLD enough to evict it. This may mean your own negative thoughts, behaviours, relationships, your business or career. Take inventory of the things that occupy your mental space, assess their effectiveness, and then take the action that is needed. For me, this entailed “hibernating” for a season so that I could focus on God, my family, and the assignment at hand. It also meant, being okay to drop things in my business that are no longer fulfilling to me. If it consumes my time, energy, and focus in a negative manner then I must let it go.
- Be willing to lose it all, to have it all. Entrepreneurship and just simply walking by faith requires a radical boldness that is unexplainable by words. It’s the pull, the tugging, the stretching, the bending, and even the breaking of every fibre within us that separates the “called” and the “chosen”. It is painful and rewarding all in the same breath. You will see yourself growing and dying all in the same breath. It will costs you more than you are willing to pay, but in order to reap the full benefits, you must be willing to give it all so that you gain it all!
Thank you for your continuous support, your love, and most importantly your prayers!
I would love your feedback and comments and especially if anything resonated within you.
With love always….ThinkUP!
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