#youwilllive

One of the toughest, but also most important lessons I've learned recently is this: it's OK to let the sunshine in. To gracefully let go of the past, to embrace the present, and to re-imagine the future. Change- even when it is good- can be frightening. Certain emotions, people, places, ideas, routines and habits of our past can be comfortably familiar. My old behaviors were hurting me, but the results were predictable.

It is comforting, in a sense, to know what is going to happen in life- whether it is good or bad.

As I've begun to change and explore the uncharted territory in my own life, I've experienced the gamut of emotions- happiness, hope, excitement, fear, anger, despair, wistfulness, hesitance, acceptance, joy, etc.

I've had “relapse” moments, longing for the past, as well as bursts of inner strength which have directed me back to the present.

Slowly, things have gotten good. Each day, I feel like I am realizing more of my potential. I am exploring dreams and goals which I never would have thought to in the past. I am experiencing joy again and sharing it with those around me. But it has been a long, winding, and bumpy road to get to this place.

When the good stuff begins to flow, I've learned that there is only one way to deal with it without becoming overwhelmed. It is the same way I had dealt with the sadness I felt a while back: You just have to take it slow and take it one day at a time.

There were days where I wondered if I'd ever feel ok again. When I felt the stress of having sick family members and losing others. When I received unexpected news which broke my heart and made me question everything I believed to be true.

For anyone struggling with letting go of the past, handling the good stuff, reclaiming your life, and doing your best to embrace joy- even if it feels more foreign and tougher than the pain- remember that all will be well. It is ok to smile. To enjoy. To love yourself and those around you. To feel proud of your accomplishments.