No Stranger to Adversity | Coping with trauma mental health struggles and chronic illness from the inside out.

Over the last 10 years, I saved three pairs of shoes: a pair of sandals and two pairs of slippers that I wore nearly every day. I am developing a new project with the idea of "walking in someone else's shoes". These are the second pair of slippers worn during this period of isolation.

When trauma, mental health struggles, and chronic illness intersect with social isolation, it can be a recipe for disaster. But, with the right mindset, it can create the perfect recipe for SUCCESS!

"I’ve spent my entire life searching for answers, reasons, finding ways to understand, how to cope, maintain and survive. What was the point to all of this suffering?"

July 5, 2022, a ladder fell and hit me in the head while I was at work. Unfortunately I suffered brain damage and was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome. The symptoms, combined with the circumstances have forced me into isolation. 

As a life long traveler, when things got tough, boring, or God forbid... "Too easy", I wasn't one that would have to wait for “the ball to drop” before I'd pack up and run away.  Due to the accident, that wasn't an option for me anymore. The only place that I could go…was inside: of myself, my mind. 

​Despite the situation, I realized that my life wasn't over.  I needed to sit still. It was time to unpack, and finally begin to process all this "stuff" that I had collected over time. I knew I had to let go of things in order to move forward. But first, I'd have to figure out what was even worth holding onto.  Does it serve my purpose? Does it come from a place of love? Does it restrict your freedom, your ability to grow, or to simply be yourself? What was holding me back the most? Not the trauma, the mental health issues, or the chronic illnesses...It was fear. Like, I can heal from the trauma, get therapy for the chronic illnesses and pain...but if I continue to hold onto “FEAR”...I will be trapped inside this “hell” forever.  Fuck that!  

I encourage you to take the time to pause, unpack, and reflect on the “stuff” that you’re holding onto. Get to know your true self and remember who YOU are. Release your mind from societal limitations…but mostly importantly: PLEASE LET GO OF THE FEAR! Or you’ll be trapped in this illusion forever. Mindset matters. 

Check out "Dailies" for some motivation: DAILIES