Denise M

The Day I Almost Gave Up And Why I'm Grateful I Didn't

One day I was on the verge of giving up. Not on a project or a goal alone. I mean completely gave up on myself, my goals, and the idea that life had any purpose. It was one of those mornings when it was difficult to get out of bed at all. It was one of those days when my heart was too exhausted to bear the weight of the world. I couldn't understand why life was being so cruel to me in spite of my best efforts, and everything I had worked so hard for seemed to be slipping away. All I saw when I looked in the mirror was a defeated person. However, a minor incident altered everything. A friend sent me a message. "Don't stop now" was all that was written. I nearly ignored it at first. But I couldn't get those words out of my head. "Don't stop just yet." I had come too far to give up, not because it would be simple to continue. Because progress is progress no matter how bad things get. Additionally, I owed it to myself to see what might occur if I persisted. I therefore persevered that day. Then the following one. I gradually regained my rhythm. A spark. a motivation for me to continue showing up. I now respond, "I chose to stay," when people ask me what changed in my life. Even though my entire being told me to stop, I decided to continue. Strength isn't always audible. It's not always obvious or dramatic. Strength can be quiet at times. When no one is looking, it's the decision to take one more step. It's not giving up on yourself, even when it seems like the simpler course of action. Don't stop now if you're reading this and you're on the verge of losing it. Feeling exhausted is not a sign of weakness. You are a human. However, you underestimate your strength. Even if all you can do today is breathe, keep fighting. That's sufficient. Because you might surprise yourself tomorrow.