With all of the tropical storms making their way across the country the past few weeks, it feels like we can’t catch a break with bad weather. In Cincinnati, it’ll be 100 degrees and sunny one day and 65 and storming the next.
My mental health can be like these weather fronts. Some days, I feel great. The sun is shining and the world feels beautiful. Some days, I make it through. There might be a few clouds and a feeling of uneasiness, but in the end, it’s fine. Other days, it feels like I’m battling through a torrential downpour with high winds, lightning, and thunder. On these days, it can feel like the world is going to end. But by the time the storm passes, the world is more beautiful and vibrant than ever before.
I’ve had a few of these days over the past few weeks. Some of them, I woke up with clouds over my head. Others, the thunder and lightning came out of the blue. Slowly, though, I’m learning how to ride out the storms. I’m learning I can’t control what happens around me; I can only control how I react. I’m learning to recognize these storms for what they are, accept them, and let them pass. I’m learning to value the sunny, happy days, and I’m learning that the more I practice this kind of gratitude, the less these storms come through.
Today is literally dark and rainy outside, but I woke up grateful. I’m grateful to have friends and family who love and support me. I’m grateful to be able to work and provide for myself. I’m grateful for my dog and my cat (who both love me so much they wake me up by licking my face and zooming around the room). I’m grateful to be alive.
I don’t know if I’ll wake up grateful and happy tomorrow, but I do know I can ride out the storm when it comes.
Xo,
Kayla W