The best way to describe depression and anxiety is that it’s like being stuck in the house with a storm raging outside. Your mind begins to play tricks on you, convincing you that there’s no way out of this situation—that you’ll never be able to enjoy life again. And so, you do nothing at all. This can go on for weeks or even months before you get help, if ever. But what if there was someone who could help guide them through their journey? Well, as it turns out there are people just like that but they’re not therapists or psychiatrists—they’re people who have gone through it themselves and now want to help others going through similar things:
The battle you fight is your stand.
I’ve learned that in life battles are not always the physical ones we may be trained to expect. Not even close. Most battles are mental, emotional, and/or spiritual struggles that make us question our beliefs.
When I think about my own battles, I remember how hard they were for me in the beginning. The mental and emotional pain was intense and relentless; there was no awareness of anything but suffering and agony. Sometimes it still feels like there isn’t any room left over for anything else —but I’ve faced enough to know that there is another side to my struggles! Even if it takes some time getting used to feeling comfortable with yourself again after having been through something largely difficult (or even just something slightly difficult), there will come a point when this space starts filling up again with things that inspire and bring joy: hobbies and interests; friendships with loved ones; new things learned at school or work; purpose!
But no matter what your battle looks like, know that it is yours to find the other side of. You alone have the power to decide how you face it—and whether or not you will keep fighting it at all.
Everyone has a battle of their own.
You can’t know what someone else is dealing with, and you can’t rightly judge them for what you don’t know of them. You don’t know how they got there, or how long they have been there. What you do know is that you may be going through something too. Someone else may be struggling very much in the same way as you—and maybe even more—but maybe their struggle isn’t visible on the outside like yours might be. It’s okay not to see eye-to-eye or get along all of the time; it’s okay not to agree with each other 100% because no one agrees with anyone all of the time (or even at all). But as long as we keep an compassionate heart and open mind, understanding will always win over judgement and negativity!
Grit is an asset in the field of life.
There are many ways to use grit. There’s the way that allows you to keep going when faced with a seemingly insurmountable physical challenge, like climbing a cliffside or running a marathon. Grit can also be applied to everyday life, such as getting up at four in the morning to go after your dreams before work instead of sleeping in and going through your emails or social media feeds.
Grit is not only perseverance; it’s part purpose and part passion. An athlete, for example, can win by sheer force alone or through their drive and a love for what they do —and if they don’t have a high level of passion, then why exactly are they trying so hard?
Sometimes, walking alone is the only way to get where you need to be.
Sometimes, walking alone is the only way to get where you need to be. When you are in a team of people and everyone has their own ideas and opinions, it can often feel like there is no consensus and when one is reached, it is by default so as not to muddy the water. You might feel stuck because everyone else isn’t on board with the loudest voice. When this happens, it’s best not to force it but rather take time for yourself and just walk away for a bit. You will learn deeply about yourself in those moments; what you want out of life, how far you’re willing to go for your goals and ambitions, who truly believes in them besides yourself—and whether or not you want them on your journey.
It’s in these moments of solitude when we reflect on ourselves (and our goals), we are able walk away from negativity (even if it’s our own) which leads us closer to our joy and belief in self.
Being out in the world on your own can feel like an uphill battle.
Stepping out of the mainstream and being in the world alone can feel like an uphill battle. It’s hard to be a solo warrior, especially if you’re new to self-awareness. You are the only one responsible for your own understanding and growth, and when it comes to being aware of your inner strengths, there’s no one else who can tell you what that looks or feels like. You have to know it for yourself by using the tools that work best for you.
To make peace with yourself is to win over any battle.
You are not alone. There are many others who have been through something similar to you, and you’re allowed to feel proud of yourself for moving forward in spite of your challenges. It’s also important to remember that no matter what happens, you don’t have to deal with it alone. You can seek help from friends and family, or, if needed, from a professional such as a therapist, mentor, or coach. As long as the person is someone who gives support and love unconditionally, you will find peace. If your supporter cannot be there with you, take the next best step and bring their presence to mind. Remind yourself about why and how much they care about you! Generate the positive emotions that you associate with this person.
It takes courage to be a warrior who walks alone.
Men can often be afraid of being alone in their direction and choose to follow or idolize someone who takes them down a path that leads away from personal truth. They don’t realize that it takes more courage to walk alone than it does to follow someone who shows you a way of life that is can only be carbon copied! These men end up regretting the moments spent walking another’s path.
It takes courage to stand alone against an army of people who say otherwise (aka society and convention). But when you look at those around you, who are following the “rules” and, in truth, are doing things they don’t want because they think it’s their only option, you will begin to wonder who has any real freedom?
In conclusion, the most important thing to remember is that you do not have to win every battle. As long as you stand for something personal to you and work towards it, the victory is yours. Despite what many people think about peace, it does not necessarily mean that there are no battles in life. Rather, peace means having the courage to stand in your own battles and not let them defeat you.
Arturo Ruiz Coaching 