Remaining Positive

After writing my last blog post and sharing it with others, I wasn’t thinking about how many people didn’t realize how tough I had it last year. My main goal was to share my status along with how I was feeling throughout the times I struggled. Even though my body was tackling and sometimes my mind too, I tried to remain positive. If I didn't I don't think I would've been able to make it through.

Something that I've always tried to encourage others including myself is to focus on the things that have brought us down most and use them as a reminder that there are better situations beyond what we may or have experienced. Throughout my existence I've experienced pain, tragedy, grief, loss of independence etc. but in other ways have gained a bright outlook on life along with a belief system that change can occur.

In my own struggle, my life changed in an instant that has forever impacted my future. I’m constantly reminded of the understanding why I chose to live instead of going down a darker road. Despite what I’ve been through and what took place, I’m still remaining hopeful because that’s what got me through. When I was in the hospital I would try to think of ways in which I could turn my situation into something less negative to get me through.

I realize that many people see my position as challenging or hard and some even feel sorry for me. However, I’m grateful where I’m at knowing very well that my situation could be worse. By working through the challenges and overcoming each obstacle that comes my way is another victory towards a better quality of life.  If I can keep that momentum going and those thoughts in my mind, I know for fact I can accomplish anything. I’m living every day like it’s my last and cherishing what I have.

There are many people in worse off situations than mine struggling with their lives. I accept happiness because I want my being to be worth something; I want meaning and purpose in my life. I need to be able to exist with what happened to me and not die with regret, unforgiving, frustration, bitterness, or anger.

A lot of people ask me "how do you do it?" or "how do you stay so positive after what happened?" The truth of the matter is that sometimes I don't know how I'm doing it or how I am so positive most of the time. One of the ways that keeps me going is being able to help other people along the way. Some have told me that I’m an inspiration to them. All I have to say is that I’m human, stuff happens and I’m just trying to live the best that I know how.

 

I encourage those of you reading this to take a step back and acknowledge the challenges, tough times, obstacles, or other occurrences in your life that you have or are facing. Think about the ways you dealt or coped to get through. If you are experiencing a situation now in which you are searching for ways to overcome think hopefulness, knowing that there are others out there for support and help.

 
Jenni