no one's life is easy

i've been reflecting recently and i realize no one's life is easy.

all news i've heard from ppl in my network this year:

• serious depression
• abusive relationships (both men and women)
• work stress - passed up for promos, getting fired or PIPed or negative feedback, layoffs, burnout
• breakups with long term partners
• friendship breakups
• dating troubles
• feeling really lonely in NYC
• health issues - injuries, disabilities
• deaths - deaths in the family, losing a parent, and even, taking own's one life

it's unfortunate and crazy. i was praying more since i was back home and there were so many people to pray for 😢

my thoughts:

• we all have struggles. I'm grateful to have close friends that I can swap struggles with. this has helped me internalize that we all have struggles. further, our specific struggles are not unique either - they are definitely shared by others in the world.
• it's not easy, but when we handle our struggles as best we can, we are a light to others. this is important to remember, because it shows us how our struggles are meaningful and gives us strength. [1]
• we need to stay in touch with our friends and create the space for them to tell us things. idk how we do it, but we gotta. calling them is a start.
• let's be vulnerable and reach out to others for the support in the middle of our episodes, not just after. it can be helpful even though it can feel embarrassing.

You all inspire me in how you handle challenges and give me strength ❤️

I wish everyone further mental fortitude and spirit to weather their struggles well.

[1] and induces the right biochemical response according to this one book I read