Drowning, Rising Up

Drowning

artwork and poem by Winsome William

I was once a young, free spirit,

With dreams like eagles soaring in the sky.

But society had other plans for me,

And I found myself trapped, unable to fly.

They told me how to speak, how to act,

How to live, and what to think.

They said that I must fit in the script,

And that anything else would make me sink.

So I tried my best to conform,

To be the person they wanted me to be.

But it was like trying to swim upstream,

In a river that was too strong for me.

I watched as my dreams slowly drowned,

In the tide of society's demands.

My voice was silenced, my spirit broken,

And my true self became just a dust in the wind.

I was told that success and happiness

Could only be found in fitting in,

But it was all a lie.

For trying to be like everyone else,

I'd lost myself for the sake of what others would think.

I wish I could go back in time,

To when my dreams were alive and true.

But I know now that it's too late,

Because all I can do,

Is drown in this sea of societal blue.

Overcoming Adversity: Strategies for Finding Joy After a Difficult Night

We all go through difficult times in life. It might be a break-up, a loss, or a tough phase at work. It's natural to feel sad and upset during these times, and it's okay to allow ourselves to feel these emotions. However, it's important to remember that these difficult times are temporary. As the Psalm says, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

I personally have gone through a number of difficult times in my life. There were moments when I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of sadness and despair. It was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I often wondered if things would ever get better.

But they did get better. Each time, it took time and patience, but eventually, the clouds cleared and the sun began to shine again. And when it did, the joy that came with it was all the sweeter for having gone through the darkness.

It's important to remember that the tough times in life are just temporary. They may last for a night, or even longer, but joy will come in the morning. It's okay to allow ourselves to feel and process our emotions, but it's also important to keep hope and look towards the future.

So if you're going through a difficult time right now, know that it won't last forever. Keep holding on and keep pushing forward. Joy will come in the morning.

One thing that has helped me get through tough times is having a support system. Surrounding myself with loved ones who can offer comfort and encouragement has made a big difference. It's also important to take care of ourselves during these times. This might mean getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding healthy ways to cope with our emotions.

Another thing that has helped me is finding ways to practice gratitude. It can be easy to focus on the negative when we're going through a tough time, but taking a few moments each day to think about the things we're grateful for can help shift our perspective and bring some positivity into our lives.
It's also important to remember that it's okay to ask for help. Whether it's talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking therapy, or seeking support from a religious or spiritual community, it's important to reach out and ask for the help we need.

Finally, it's important to give ourselves grace and be kind to ourselves. We're all human and we all make mistakes. It's okay to not be okay all the time. It's important to give ourselves permission to feel our emotions and to take the time we need to heal and process.

In times of difficulty and sadness are a natural part of life. It's okay to feel and process these emotions, but it's important to remember that they are temporary. By taking care of ourselves, seeking support, practicing gratitude, and being kind to ourselves, we can get through these tough times and find joy in the morning.

The Strength of Self-Care: How Taking a Break Can Help Us Rebuild Ourselves

In today's fast-paced and highly connected world, it can feel like we're constantly expected to be "on" - to be present and engaged in our work, our relationships, and our various commitments. But what happens when we're struggling to just get through the day? What if the weight of the world is bearing down on us and we can't seem to find the strength to keep going?

It's okay to disappear for a while. It's okay to take a step back and focus on yourself. It's more than okay - it's necessary. Because when we're feeling broken and battered, the only way to rebuild ourselves is to take some time to heal.

There's a popular saying that goes, "nothing is stronger than a broken man rebuilding himself." And it's true. When we're at our lowest, we can dig deep and find the strength and resilience we didn't even know we had. We can use our struggles as fuel to come back stronger than ever before.

But healing isn't easy. It takes time and effort. It requires us to be honest with ourselves about what we need and to be willing to ask for help when we need it. It means permitting ourselves to rest, to grieve, to feel our emotions fully, and to work through them. It means being kind and compassionate with ourselves, even when we feel like we're not making any progress.

It's important to recognize that disappearing doesn't mean completely disconnecting or cutting ourselves off from the world. It can simply mean taking a step back and giving ourselves space to breathe and heal. It might mean saying no to social invitations, setting boundaries with our loved ones, or simply carving out some time for ourselves each day.

If you're struggling and feeling like you need to disappear for a while, it's okay to reach out for support. This can be in the form of therapy, support groups, or simply confiding in a trusted friend or family member. It's important to remember that you don't have to go through this process alone.

As difficult as it may be, the act of rebuilding ourselves can also be incredibly empowering. It's a chance to take control of our healing and shape our future. It's an opportunity to discover new strengths and capabilities that we never knew we had.

So, if you're feeling broken and like you need to disappear for a while. It's okay to take a break from your obligations and prioritize your well-being. Focus on yourself and your healing. It might not be easy, but it's worth it.  Because when you come back, you'll be stronger, more resilient, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

When to Cut Ties: The Importance of Protecting Your Energy in Relationships

Have you ever felt drained and exhausted after spending time with someone who just doesn't seem to value or appreciate your presence in their life? It's a frustrating and painful experience, and it's completely natural to want to distance yourself from those individuals. But how do you know when it's time to cut ties and move on?

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that we all have different communication styles and ways of expressing appreciation and gratitude. Just because someone doesn't show their appreciation in the way that you prefer doesn't necessarily mean they don't value you or your efforts. However, if you consistently feel undervalued or taken for granted, it may be time to reassess the relationship and consider whether it is truly healthy and balanced.

One sign that it might be time to distance yourself from someone is if you find yourself constantly putting in more effort than the other person. Relationships should be given and taken, and if you feel like you are the only one putting in the work to maintain the relationship, it may be time to step back and reassess. Similarly, if you find yourself feeling drained or exhausted after spending time with this person, it could be a sign that the relationship is not fulfilling or nourishing for you.

Another red flag is if the person consistently dismisses or belittles your feelings or opinions. Respect and understanding are crucial components of any healthy relationship, and if you feel like the other person is not respecting your boundaries or valuing your thoughts and feelings, it may be time to distance yourself.

Of course, it's not always easy to walk away from a relationship, especially if the person holds a special place in your life. However, it's important to prioritize your well-being and happiness. It's okay to set boundaries and protect your energy, and sometimes that means distancing yourself from people who are not able to reciprocate the love and effort that you give.

It's not easy to shut people out, but sometimes it's necessary for our well-being. If you find yourself consistently feeling undervalued or drained in a relationship, it may be time to reassess and consider whether it is truly healthy and balanced. Remember, it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your happiness.

Finding the Light in the Dark: How to Overcome Your Toughest Challenges

It's only natural to feel lost and alone during our darkest days. When we're facing difficult challenges or dealing with overwhelming emotions, it can be hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel. But no matter how dark things may seem, it's important to remember that there is always a light to be found, even in the darkest of times.

One way to find that light is to reach out to others for support. Whether it's talking to a close friend or family member, seeking out a therapist or counselor, or joining a support group, connecting with others who understand what you're going through can provide much-needed comfort and guidance.

Another way to find a light in the darkness is to focus on self-care. Taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, can help to alleviate some of the stress and pain you may be feeling. This might mean exercising, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing, or simply taking time for yourself to do something you enjoy.

It can also be helpful to remind yourself that difficult times are often temporary. No matter how bad things may seem in the moment, they will eventually pass. It's important to hold on to hope and to believe that better days are ahead.

Finally, try to find a sense of purpose or meaning in your struggles. This can help to give you the strength and motivation to keep going, even when things are at their toughest. Whether it's finding a way to help others who are going through similar struggles, or pursuing a passion or goal that brings you joy, having something to focus on can help to keep you moving forward.

In the end, the key is to remember that you are not alone. There is always a light to be found, even in the darkest of times. By reaching out for support, focusing on self-care, holding on to hope, and finding a sense of purpose, you can get through even the toughest of challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

The Benefits of Being Single: Why It's Okay to Choose Solo Living

 There could be a variety of reasons why you're single. It could be that you haven't met the right person yet, or that you're focusing on other priorities in your life right now. It's also possible that you're holding yourself back from finding a partner because of past experiences or fears.

Being single is not a problem that needs to be solved. It's a natural and normal part of life, and there is nothing wrong with choosing to be single.

For many people, being single allows them to focus on their own personal growth and development. It gives them the freedom to pursue their goals and dreams without the distractions and obligations that come with being in a relationship. It allows them to establish their own sense of identity and independence, and to figure out what they want and need in life.

Additionally, being single allows people to form strong, meaningful connections with others outside of a romantic relationship. They can develop close friendships and support networks that provide love, companionship, and emotional support. These connections can be just as fulfilling and enriching as romantic relationships, and can help to create a sense of community and belonging.

Furthermore, being single does not mean that a person is alone or unlovable. There are countless individuals who are single and happy, and who have fulfilling and meaningful lives without being in a romantic relationship. It's important to remember that our self-worth and happiness should not be tied to our relationship status, and that we are all deserving of love and happiness regardless of whether we are single or in a relationship.

If you're feeling lonely or unhappy with being single, it might be helpful to reach out to friends and family for support, or to consider seeking therapy to work through any underlying issues that may be holding you back. Remember that you are not alone, and that there is nothing wrong with being single. You are worthy of love and happiness, no matter your relationship status.

In conclusion, being single is a perfectly valid and fulfilling way of life. It allows individuals to focus on their own growth and development, to form strong connections with others, and to enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with being single. There is nothing wrong with choosing to be single, and it does not make a person any less deserving of love and happiness.