Be Kind to Yourself

We are often told somehow, whether it be through social media, or other people, that we need to be kind to everyone. People are always fighting a battle we don't know anything about, and we need to be there for them in their dark hours. 

Despite our best efforts to be kind to everyone, we usually end up neglecting someone, and for me, it's typically myself. 

I have always expected great things from myself. I've always wanted to be the best at whatever I was doing; I hate losing and I have a hard time being happy with my efforts, no matter what they are. I always feel like I could be doing something more to better myself and I can't seem to be happy with each stage of the process. I try really hard, and sometimes I try to act like I'm happy with it, but deep down I know I can do better.

I've had people tell me they admire my drive, but as much as other people might think it's good, I've had to learn to control it. Yes, it's good to be motivated. Yes, it's good to not be able to settle for mediocrity. I believe there's a point where it can be too much. It can completely take over your life, I've let this happen. When my drive starts driving my life, I lose control and end up driving myself straight into the ground. Not literally, but physically and emotionally I feel like I can't function. I become stressed out about everything. If I go somewhere, I have to tell myself it's okay, I don't need to be practicing or studying all the time. 

Although my drive is one of my strengths, it can also be counted as a weakness when it stops me from being kind to myself. 

Our journey will always be uphill if we are doing what's best and right for ourselves. It's meant to teach us, to push us, to refine us into what we are meant to be. Little by little, day by day, we begin to become more suited for the hill we are currently climbing. This is usually when we are then given a harder hill, and we can begin to feel discouraged. I promise you can make it up your hill if you keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

We are all going to make mistakes. We will mess up, and sometimes it might not seem like it will be okay. You will bounce back eventually. You'll make up for it. Just allow yourself to be okay with the rate which you are progressing. 

You are strong. I know you are. You're doing the best you can, and that's enough, so please be kind to yourself. 

Impossible

Impossible. 

Just that word probably sparked a thought of something you feel is currently impossible in your mind; maybe it was more than a single thought. 

It's different for everyone, but I know I have certain things I feel are impossible. That word is a blockade in our minds, it labels something impossible and we basically give up on it or move past it, and on with our lives. Sometimes this happens subconsciously, and sometimes it happens because we choose to let it. 

Now, I'm going to suggest something, and it's going to seem hard and daunting and maybe kind of scary. It might upset your mind for a while because sometimes our minds don't want to think outside the box. 

Here it is: nothing is impossible. Honestly. Whatever you have labeled impossible is merely labeled wrong. Yes, it might be challenging, but not impossible. 

Break impossible apart with me for a second. I'm possible. Replace everything you have deemed impossible with I'm possible. Easy? No. Possible? Yes. 

Set small, achievable goals. Work towards them step by step. Love yourself entirely, and impossible most definitely becomes possible. 

Impossible is a big word thrown around by small men who are filled with fear by the thought of creating a better world and not just accepting what they have. Impossible is an opinion, never a fact. Impossible is a dare, meant to spark a competitive drive and ignite a fire that can light a path to a new way of life for yourself and those around you. 

Take a stand today. Impossible is unrealistic, and suppressing. Challenging things are all around us, and they are meant to be worked at and can refine us into who we are meant to become. Impossible is temporary. Everything seems impossible until it's done. Whatever came into your head when you read the word impossible at the beginning is exactly what you should pursue!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I've been debating posting this for a while for a few reasons. Sometimes when I state my problems or issues or trials or whatever you want to call them, I feel like I'm begging for attention, which is the exact opposite reason behind this blog. I also don't want to say my problems are worse than someone else, because that is entirely untrue as I sit here thinking about other people I know and what they are going through. I'm also unsure how to say some of the things I want to say, but I still feel like I should write this post.

I've always considered myself a happy person. I try to look on the bright side of things and I try to do what I feel is right. I've found a few things I am very passionate about, and I devote most of my time bettering myself in these areas. Sometimes, they might run me down a little bit, but never taking a taxing toll on my body or mind. I love finding adventure in everything, and finding little pockets of joy around every corner. Normally, this works great for me.

Lately, I've had a harder time with this. I don't necessarily look forward to getting up for school. My body is sore and I feel agitated at little things that normally wouldn't bother me. Some mornings, it takes every ounce of strength I have to climb out of bed and go to school.

Part of this is because school gets harder when you advance in the system, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. I think another part has to do with a concussion from basketball this year. Constant headaches are never fun...

But I think another part of it just has to do with the fact that life isn't easy and it definitely wasn't meant to be. We are meant to grow here, and sometimes, in order to grow, we have to be given challenges to overcome and learn from. God gives us trials to allow us to come back to Him and receive a boost in faith and trust in His perfect plan. We aren't created to fail, but rather to be taught and learn about life. If we weren't ever given anything challenging, we would stay the same.

I still question why it is so hard to be motivated sometimes. Tonight was one of those times. I walked outside and saw some blossoms on a bush in my backyard. Not all of them are blooming yet, but a few close to the ground have opened. I'm here to say that no matter how hard the winter, the spring is coming. It might take a little while, but it will come. The dark night will end, and oh, how glorious the sunrise. Yes, life might seem dark, cruel, and unforgiving. It might seem overwhelming and borderline impossible. It is on our own, but the great thing is we aren't alone. We have a Heavenly Father who knows us personally and loves us. ( If you want more information on this, visit https://www.lds.org/?lang=eng or https://www.mormon.org/) No matter how alone we may feel we are, He is always there for us. In our trials, we need to turn to Him, and ask for the strength to overcome them, rather than turn away and ask why we are going through this.

We can overcome depression, anxiety, fear, heartache, tragedy, or anything else that seems so prominent in this world. Even the worst day of your life only has twenty four hours. Every winter will end, and spring will come. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, we just need faith to follow the path until then!