From Despair to Hope: Journey Toward Healing

Stop!!! Stop!!! Stop!!!

Life can be incredibly tough, and I've been there, feeling like it's impossible to find even a glimmer of gratitude amid the darkness. I understand when it feels like there's nothing better to strive for when your days are a relentless grind with no light at the end of the tunnel.

It might seem like there's no way out, only sorrow in sight. Whether it's hating your job, being jobless, homeless, or struggling with addiction, it can feel overwhelmingly bleak. I've felt that deep sadness, worry, and strife, believing there was no hope for change. I know how it feels to hate oneself so intensely that disappearing seems the only option. I often thought the world would be better off without me.

If you're feeling this way, please reach out for help. If one avenue doesn't work, try another. Code Purple offers a list of helplines available globally.

Today, my life is different. I've learned that my worth isn't defined by others' opinions or past circumstances but by how I perceive myself. You, too, are valuable and worthy.

You matter. You have a significant role in this world. I love you, and I promise you, it can get better. Every night ends with a morning, every winter turns to spring, and each wave of the ocean ebbs and flows. Change is inevitable, and it can bring hope and healing.

Though filled with pain, our stories can be powerful gifts when shared. They can provide knowledge on how to survive and thrive despite despair. I understand the temptation to numb the pain with another drink or a hit, but the pain will always win if you run or hide. Remember, what you resist persists.

Stop! Please, stop! You are beautiful, and you have unique gifts. We need you—clean, sober, and happy. Reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous, an elder, a loved one, or a shelter attendant. Keep reaching out until you get the help you deserve.

Yesterday is gone, along with its actions and mistakes. Tomorrow is not promised, so what will you do with your now?

For those who have survived desperation, it's our task to help others find their way out of the darkness. Donate to a food bank or shelter. Listen for the cries for help. Contact a local resource for help if you see a homeless person in danger; together, we can make a difference.