This may be one of the most personal posts I have ever published on my blog, and strangely similar to my previous post from earlier this month, but it is one worth sharing in hopes that it may serve as an inspirational reminder to somebody, someday. As you may already know, I have had a rough few weeks/months. I have not only suffered from severe mood swings ranging from anxiety and depression to extreme irritability, but I have also seemed to have bad luck in general. From my car mirror being smashed by a piece of fruit thrown out someone’s window after breaking down on the side of the road and paying over $1200, to not-so-hot exam grades, to problems in my health and relationships that, at times, made it seem like this cycle would be never ending, I just have not been able to catch a break.

The worst part of it all, is that even my positive thinking that I rely so heavily on did not make me feel any better. Every time I felt strong enough to start over and get things back on track, something worse would happen that would bring me so far down that I would lose the energy and motivation to try again. I felt misunderstood, lonely, and detached, and even though I always remembered and remained strong in the knowledge that my faith can get me through anything, I just didn’t FEEL good. And if you know me, you know it is not enough for me to just “get through” life; I aim to strive for the best in every aspect of my life, and thrive. But my recent life happenings were enough to make my greatest aspiration simply to “feel good”.

But the good thing about going through a rough patch is that it is just that- a rough patch- it will pass. If the universe thinks that a few rough weeks of more life challenges than I am  used to is going to bring me down, it’s got another thing coming. If it thinks a little sadness and fear of the future is stronger than my faith, it’s wrong once again. And if thinks that just because I failed at getting better a million times that I am going to quit, it really knows nothing about who I am and what my life is all about in the big picture. I may not be able to change what happens to me, but I can always control how I react to it. That is why, today, after what seems like such a long time, I finally truly feel like my old self again. If I can do it, so can you.

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within”. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to get out there and dance in the rain”. These quotes may be considered cliche and overused, but that is only because they couldn’t be more true. Negativity will always be present in the lives of every individual and that is out of our control, but there is also a lot of positivity if you look for it. Emotions are meant to be felt and struggles are meant to be embraced and that is what strengthens your soul, but life is too short to dwell on the bad instead of appreciating the good, and should never be taken too seriously. All one can do is work hard, be patient, and remember the big picture and trust that everything will be okay! I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday, and everyday to come.