“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, be kind. Always.”
These battles are all across the spectrum. Illness, depression, addiction, family issues, work problems, relationship issues, competition for success, financial hardship, finding a purpose in this world….to name a few. When these struggles, no matter how big or small, cause our soul to flatline, how do we revive?
The past few years of my life, I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing individuals. These people have taught me courage, grace, and showed me just how resilient the human spirit can be.
A mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer. When this first became news to tell, her beautiful spirit fizzled out. She was filled with fear- worry about her kids and what would happened if she left this world. She flatlined.
A twenty something guy who couldn’t find his purpose. Full of life and laughter to his friends, but dark and lost in his quiet moments. Alcohol and drugs became a numbing agent for him. I later found out he ended up in the hospital due to a purposeful overdose. His beautiful spirit was saturated by storm clouds. He flatlined.
A 30 something woman who struggled with anxiety. She questioned her self worth and relationships that failed – it caused her to spin out of control, only to fill the void with the next guy. She felt empty inside. This catalyzed the negative way she looked at herself and the rest of the world. Some days she could barely get out of bed. She flatlined.
What happened to these people?
I saw the woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Completely different from the last time that I saw her. She radiated happiness and positive energy. She mentioned that she had two more chemo treatments, but quickly changed the subject. She talked about how she was doing lunch with her girlfriends, being the best mom she could be for her two boys, going to yoga, and seeing the light in the midst of something dark. She revived herself.
I ran into the guy who returned to after his storm.
His voice was bubbly and happy. His face, glowing. His purpose? Found. He dug himself out. Became sober. Accepted himself. And kept moving forward. Now a yoga instructor, surrounded by a beautiful community of people, he revived himself and according to him, takes it one day at a time with mindfulness and gratitude. His days are filled with hobbies that bring him joy and friends that support him.
I reconnected with the girl who was previously riddled with anxiety. She admits she still feels it sometimes, but is taking it all “one bite at a time”. When she catches herself comparing herself to others she hits the brakes. She fills her days with happy moments that come from friends, hobbies, growth and that relationship thing? Well, she decided that filling voids with men and inorganic relationships was just making her anxiety worse. Instead of filling voids, she would rid the void by healing herself first.
My observation: We all have problems no matter how big or small. Some turn into a growing list. Understand that there is a SOLUTION to every problem. Not every solution will be easy, but you are resilient. Understand that YOU have purpose and when you struggle, make sure to do all of those little things that bring you joy.
Leap into the new year with the powerful soul that exists in you. Ignite the flame and anytime you feel like you’re flatlining….resuscitate yourself by doing the things that make you happy.
SOUL REVIVAL.
Author: Leah Kavanagh
Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: A twenty something, traveler & yogi who broke out of the small town shackles and now resides in southern California.
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/kava_nomad/
