Healing with purpose

Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul heal. - Rumi

We go through so much pain and suffering in our lives that can often break us into pieces. We try to keep our heads up and ourselves together, but deep down we are broken, and we feel hopeless. The burden we carry each day takes a lot from us both emotionally and physically. Yet, for as much as we may feel defeated we know, we must pick ourselves up and make peace with our broken pieces.

However, while trying to mend our broken selves, we often confront people, thoughts, situations that want to bring us down and stop us from healing, which can sometimes lead us to believe that we are not worthy of mending. Accordingly, we revert back to seeking comfort in the places that perpetuate our pain. But, as my journey has taught me, it is long past the time to move away from those places, and command our inner dialogue to recognize that we are worthy, that our broken pieces can be mended, that not all that is broken is useless, and that healing is what makes us stronger and better.

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”

- Ernest Hemingway

When I began this blog last year, I set out to share my experience of hitting rock bottom. To detail what lead me down that rabbit hole, and what work I had been doing to try to reassemble myself. What I've found is that many people, like myself, who have confronted their demons head-on, often come to realize that contrary to the lies that their addiction or mental illness has been telling them for so long, their life has meaning and purpose.

The journey towards healing is onerous. Which is why I have tried to be so transparent in sharing what I've faced and what I'm learning, in an effort to help others who may be struggling, or who may not realize that they have been. Just as a child learns to walk and talk, we must be willing to accept that healing is wraught with trial and error. But that the steps we take to try and heal, whether big or small, are equally important, although they may not always appear to be.

Writing this blog has given me so much more than I ever envisioned. I am constantly penning new topic ideas, reading about my illness, seeking insights from others on the path. Learning about something is notable but talking about it, sharing knowledge, teaching others who wish to know, is more powerful still.

"Share your knowledge.

It’s a way to achieve immortality."

- Dalai Lama

Having a sense of purpose helps foster mental wellbeing. We all have a strong inner critic, which can impact our self-esteem and confidence. Many of us struggle with self-doubt. But I have found that no matter how much we may want for approval, or how much encouragement we may, in fact, receive, the meaning and value is far greater when it comes from within. Furthermore, serving others can give you an opportunity to discover gifts and talents you never even realized you had, or create a way of retaking control of how you use your time and energy.

We are not destined to be broken people, and every journey starts with the first step. For us to conquer challenges we must live in the present, not the past. To overcome, our inner voice must be louder than those around us. Our healing therefore, can not depend on others, but rather, on what comes from deep within our hearts. Mending is not easy, and everyone's journey is unique. We must be patient and continually seek for courage, strength and wisdom.

“Purpose spurs passion which fans the sparks that light the fires that fuel change.”

- Sir Richard Branson

By sharing my story and the wisdom I've gained, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their mental health, embrace vulnerability and find the strength to pursue their healing and find their purpose. Life is challenging. And no matter where we start, we will all reach the end one day.

I urge you to embrace the challenges along the way, as opportunities for growth, rather than reasons to succumb. Keep learning, keep pushing and never give up on yourself.

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