While I don’t normally share what I write in my journal,
Because it's so personal, today - I couldn't resist the urge.
I just know I would have loved to hear this when I was feeling lost or defeated.
And you never know what someone is going through.
So here it is -
——
How did I live so many years like a sailboat lost at sea?
With every crashing wave, a new crippling fear.
Doubt.
Heartbreak.
Lie.
Shame.
Silence.
Dishonesty.
The truth is that I’m grateful for those things…
I’m happy I battled the elements.
I’m grateful for the opportunities that threw me off course.
I’m proud of those ugly cry - shipwreck moments.
Because they have led me to where I am now.
Where I’m able to share openly about what that storm was like for me.
And in all honesty,
I’d rather battle the hardships -
Get beaten, bruised and tossed around,
Than cruise naively through open waters.
Because storms build strength.
Waves are inevitable…
And also temporary.
Finding the broken pieces is a beautiful journey.
Mending the ship is your life’s purpose.
And when you’re back at sea, and the next storm is on the horizon-
You’ll look back and smile knowing you’ve got this -
There’s nothing you can’t handle anymore…
Because you’ve been through it before
And you didn’t just survive -
You sailed on.
——
So whatever storm you’re facing…
Big or small,
Significant or silly,
Know that safety is over that next wave.
You’re loved and supported.
The sun will rise, and waves subside tomorrow.
You got this.
If this resonated with you, please share it with someone who might be going through a tough time.
I know in my darkest days,
The things I remember were not the cards, the flowers or the donations -
I remember the conversations at 2am pressed up against the wall to stretch the cord into my bedroom.
I remember the words of love,
The silence.
And the hands outstretched.
Be the match that sparks a new conversation.
You never know who could be drowning.
I see you.
I believe in you.
And I can’t wait to hear about your victory over the storm.
Sail on.