Refuse to give up

Life at times can seem to be extremely challenging and even over as you see it. You may not even see light at the end of the tunnel. You may not even see a reason to keep going. It may even seem like you are being punished for something.

I get it. I really do. I have been gifted with an extremely challenging life. Yes, you read that right, I said I was gifted with an extremely challenging life. I have not had it easy at times in my life. Being extremely bullied as a child, sustaining life-threatening burns to 75% of my body, to losing three of my close teen friends in a fatal car crash, life has not been easy. There were times when I wanted to give up because I couldn't deal with everything that was happening in my life. I got used to playing the victim, and I played it well.

However, I was blessed as I was surrounded by a community of people that were pulling for me to get better. My family, friends and community held me up when I wasn't the strongest to hold myself up. Early in my recovery from the car crash, I felt like a victim and wanted to give up, but I saw so many people supporting me. I couldn't let them down, I couldn't let their efforts go unrewarded. They saw something special in me when I couldn't see that something special. That support is what I needed to recover and move forward with my life. I eventually healed, got a job, and started living life again. I then saw that my life was worth living and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I was right; look how extraordinary my life is today.

Whatever you are struggling with in life right now, I want you to understand that it's only temporary. As tough as it is, you are tougher. There are people in your life wanting to support you; reach out to them, and allow them the opportunity to contribute to you. They are waiting for this opportunity. You are worth it. I know that because I was worth it when I was struggling, and I allowed them to support me. Look at how far I have come.

Don't give up, your better life is waiting for you to step up and put in the work to heal and grow. And if you have the thought that you have it tough, yes, you do, but so do so many other people, and they still put in the work. You can do this. Trust me! It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it.

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