We have times in our lives where everything seems to be going downhill for us, and none of it was how we expected things to go. As much as we all wish for everything we do in life to be right or to never make mistakes, as humans that’s just how life is. Making mistakes, and learning from them.

Have you ever gone through an experience that just made you feel like absolute trash? I know I have, and more times than I would like to admit to myself. For me I wasn’t able to accept the healing process from those experiences for the longest time, and as time went on I felt myself start to feel less happy as the days went by. Healing takes time. Pain is only temporary. Then why does my pain not feel temporary? Why is my own healing not happening yet? I always asked myself those questions at the point where I was just tired of feeling the way I did.

One day I woke up to realize I wasn’t depressed, I just felt broken. But was it a bad thing? No.

Our minds work differently just as our bodies do, everyday we all feel different emotions, deal with different situations than someone right next to us. People around us right now could be dealing with something, and we wouldn’t know because we aren’t them. I believe going through such hard times doesn’t make a person weak, it motivates them to better themselves and not let this pain affect them. If you’re currently dealing with anything at all right now as you’re reading this, just remember we’ve all been through it, maybe not at the same time as you, but we have at one point in our lives. Don’t let that pain make you feel any less than what you are, that was my first mistake when I felt that for the first time, I let that pain bring me down instead of learning from it.

So do me a favor, talk to people you love about your pain, and tell them why you feel that way. You may not want to tell anyone how you’re feeling but don’t worry, no one will judge you, and no matter what they will always be by your side. Send a text to a loved one, and just let them know how much you love them, I know that will brighten up their day. Even if someone may seem fine, ask them if they’re okay. We have to start letting those around us be well aware they can come to us for anything at all. Family, and friends are what guide you to the path of healing. Don’t be afraid to lean on them for comfort.

Each step we take in life, is a step to a better future. We can all make it to that future, but please don’t give up on your dreams. Follow them through, I know life isn’t easy one bit but as long as you can find the will to believe in yourselves good things are bound to happen.

Feeling broken doesn’t mean you’ll never be happy again, you’re only growing tougher skin for the next challenge life throws in our path.

~Marisa Rae