Since I was a kid, I have had a fascination with eagles. While all other birds fly away from a storm, an eagle flies directly into it. They carefully position themselves to take advantage of the incoming winds that eventually lift them high above the storm. We can apply a similar idea to our personal storms. Rather than waiting for the storm to pass, face it head on. After all, the shortest way through is always the middle.
2020 has been one hell of a year, and I really hope that over the holidays you are able to sit and reflect on the year that was. I am curious… What words pop into your mind when you reflect on the year that was? When you think about 2020, do you focus on the challenges or the triumphs? I have heard from so many people that found 2020 to be their most challenging year to date. However, many have also shared that the year has allowed them to grow in every area of their life.
I have asked hundreds of people a very simple question. The response might surprise you. I am curious… How would you respond?
For me, summer was a time to step back and examine where I want to take life. I suspect that amidst so much change and uncertainty you can relate. One of the lessons I learned is that I need to live in line with my values. Here’s what happened two weeks ago…
I spent years hiding behind my smile, and not a single person knew the depths of my struggles with mental illness and addiction. As a teacher, I downplayed my collapse in the hallway outside of the classroom, and after a visit with a doctor I sat alone with the cold reality that I had one month to live. At that time I understood that if I wanted something different I had to do something different.
Over the past few weeks I have received numerous requests asking for tips to assist in one’s mental wellness. This has inspired me to create a series of mental health tips. Here is tip number 1!
