Hang on No Matter What!

It is interesting to think about it, but sometimes I realize your life is a lot like mine except all the really tough things that happened to me started when I was 13, but yours so far all happened up to 13. I've been through divorce and death, living all over the place, hard times in school, broken hearts, crazy health problems, money problems, a lot of tough things.

We are very similar. There are times when I've been, as they say, at the end of my rope. Things were so bad and I wanted them to get better and they weren't going to; at least, not that minute. Sometimes at a certain moment things seem so bad we want to give up. I have been there more than once, I promise you. This is what I've learned about those times: hold on and you will make it through.

One time I remember I was sick and in pain for three days straight and I just wanted it to be over. I had food poisoning. One time after throwing up I passed out on the bathroom floor, exhausted. Sometimes I've been sick for months at a time, with no relief. I've wanted it to end so badly, there seemed no escape. But I learned a few things. The first: just take one day at a time. Hold on for just one more day. Don't think about how long it's been or how long it will take. Just one day; anyone can do that.

Also I've been through a lot of mental strain before, people dying, other people doing horrible things to me; betrayal, attacks, anger. Feeling lost and alone. Some times I've felt tempted to give in and let go of my mind; just go crazy or whatever and lose control, have a breakdown. But every time I've felt in my head I've had an option. I could choose to hold on or let go. So far, every time I've held on, no matter how bad it was. I think that when it does come down to it, there's that little voice in your head, speaking sanity, calmness, reality. Hold on to that, know that you can hold on, you can make it. No matter how awful you feel. Don't give in and do something crazy or stupid or lose control. Take a deep breath, and just fight through it.

Many times I've been sick or hurt, just lying in bed, unable to do much, feeling awful. But I've been around long enough to know it will pass. If you are going through a tough time mentally or emotionally, remember, also it will pass. You won't be in that feeling forever. Time goes by, day after day, and things change. Hurts heal, bad things bother you less over time, you move on.

I definitely wish I had thought of these things when I was your age, so I hope this helps. Another thing that has helped me is praying and knowing God is there. I believe he has given me strength to hang on when I have not had any. Of course, friends and family are there too. Never, ever be afraid to ask for help when you need it (this is probably a whole different entry for later!) I'm here for you, you can tell me anything, and I'll help you in any way I can. Remember that.