Where You Are

I have grown to realize that when I feel the lowest I tend to also consider myself to be at my weakest. Yet, it takes strength to admit that I am weak; it takes force and courage to continue to try when I feel too broken to do so. Therefore, it is not truly weakness, but simply an alternate realm of strength, much like a generator kicks in when the electricity goes out. When everything is running properly again, the electricity will go back to doing the same job it was doing before. Until then, it's okay to rely on the reserve. That's what it's there for.

With mental illness, there are always going to be power outages within us from time to time. It is not weakness to rely on someone else to carry the load, or to admit you need time to recuperate and take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't feel guilty for needing more rest, or time alone, or for someone to stay with you when you are feeling unsafe. There is no shame in illness. One of my favorite quotes comes from Theodore Roosevelt. He said "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."  I come back to this quote quite frequently because it reminds me that I may not always have the same level of ability, or the best of circumstances, or even the right frame of mind to function as well as I would like at all times. But no matter where I am, I am capable of something. I can keep trying. I can keep surviving until I feel better, until brighter days break through (and they always do eventually), and then I can work at full capacity again. And you can too.

-Amy Purdy