So far this year has been kind to me, which is a blessing after the last 18 months. The challenge that lies ahead is learning to be kinder to myself.
I was trying to think of how best to describe what I have learnt. It is something I have often talked about with friends over the last couple of months and I thought I should share those thoughts here:
When you build the bridge back from adversity, strength is not measured by how long it takes to build that bridge or in the physicality of moving heavy loads by yourself. Strength is in the ability to ask for and accept the help of those around you; the people who love you want to see you get to the other side and their help is a gift not a criticism, accept it as such.
It has taken me a long time to learn that I can show vulnerability. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sure I will ever let go completely but I do now accept those parts of myself that are vulnerable and I no longer hide them so readily.
I am what I am, battle scarred but someone that made it back to the other side. I thank god for those who have travelled with me and who see the scars as points on a map rather than something ugly.
I still have a long way to go but the road doesn't seem so daunting these days
Here are some other quotes that never fail to inspire me
Times of great calamity and confusion have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm.
'Charles Caleb Colton'
Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand.
'E. E. Hale'
In the midst of winter, I found there was within me an invincible summer.
'Albert Careb'
