My latest Elephant Journal article is live!

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An excerpt:

“In those moments where I was in my bed, pillow wet and chest heaving from consecutive nights spent fighting for my will to live, I wish someone would have grabbed me by the shoulders, looked into my eyes with love, understanding, and empathy, and said:

“[Insert your name here]: this is not who you are. This is not forever. I know it feels that way. I know your mind tells you there is no hope left. I know your life is difficult and terribly, horribly, undeniably unfair. Please, feel validated in your feelings. Do not add guilt and shame to the mix because your mind tells you that you do not have the right to feel this way. Know that you’re right! Everything you feel is right. You’re allowed to feel everything and to feel it excruciatingly deeply.

But, my darling…

You’re also allowed to heal. No matter what you’ve endured, you have the absolute right to heal and experience joy again. Give yourself permission to heal. It may not feel like much, but it is. It’s everything. You’re telling your mind, ‘I’m in control here.’ No longer will you allow the broken record of despair and self-deprecation to play on repeat within your mind without noticing it for what it is and stopping the thought train on its tracks. Observe. Ask and force yourself to answer. Why did these thoughts arise? What triggered it? Did something make me feel unsure of myself or unsafe? Was it merely the act of waking up and having to go about another day filled with uncertainty? Take back control, even when you feel completely powerless.”

Allow the observer to take over and start to really see your repetitive thoughts for what they are: a hardwired mind on auto-play just trying to keep itself safe. Survival, not happiness. Take control and fight for your right to feel joy again.”

🍁🍂 Follow this link to read more: https://www.elephantjournal.com/2023/10/fight-for-your-right-to-feel-joy-again-in-life/