Taking stock.....

A little over a year ago, I was living in Florida.  Trying to figure our my life. With a business that was failing, no insurance, and serious depression.  I didn't have enough income to have stable housing.  I struggled to feed myself.  And doctor visits were impossible.  As was obtaining medication for my health issues.  I have had many hopeless moments in my life, but I have to say...I truly understand what hitting bottom means.  Finally, I was put into the hospital.  And that really did save my life.  I had time to think.  I had time to weigh alternatives.  My daughter encouraged me to leave Florida and come back home.  To Tennessee.  Which I did.

Today I am starting a well-earned vacation.  I have a job in a field that I never expected to.  And even though I don't earn much money, I am happy.  I see people at work.  I enjoy my job.  I have friends.  I have loving and attentive family close to me.  I have regular medical care and take medicine.  I have my own stable living space.  A place I can afford.  Decorated in a style my daughter calls "shabby chic".  (I call it recycling and thrift store fun.  Lol!)

What have I learned over the past year?  I have learned that I can choose to work towards mental health.  That finding a support system helps keep you healthy.  I have learned that happiness isn't about what I have or whether I am in a relationship. What I own isn't all that important.  I learned that I can find love in many places when I am loving.  I have learned that I have a mental illness, but it doesn't define who I am.

Have you started to look at the possibility that mental illness doesn't have to define your life?  What changes do you need to make in order to move towards mental health?  What would recovery look like for you?  I'd love to hear from you.  Let's talk!