It took me a long time to understand that life is predominately about our perspective and attitude. How we view the world largely depends on us. Now that I recognize this, I have changed my entire day by simply deciding that I was going to do the work of shifting my own attitude. Guess what? It’s real. It works. It’s not always easy, but it taught me something. It taught me the truth of perspective.

I’m not a patient person and I can be stubborn. Not so long ago, I clung to the idea that I was just a depressed woman who saw things in a negative light and nothing could change that. I didn’t understand it when people told me that it was about shifting my attitude. I was like, what are you talking about? I can’t do that. This is just the way I am. This is how I’m wired.

Then I learned about nervous system dysregulation and began to understand that my wiring was tangled and could, in fact, be altered. That I am not naturally meant to be angry, bitter, negative, or constantly disappointed. It was important to me to realize that it wasn’t actually my fault I felt this way, but that I did have the power to shift it. That gave me both reprieve from constant self-loathing and agency over my choices.

Basically, I’ve learned that life is a lot more fun when viewed through a lens of gratitude and joy. I have a much better time now that I take pleasure in the small things. I am proud of the work I’ve done in order to get here, a place I never believed I’d reach. The fact that I’m here, alive, feels like an everyday miracle in itself.

I now trust in these miracles, these joys tiny and large alike that populate my existence. They are there if you open yourself up to seeing them. They are what keep me from sinking into depression when I feel tempted by her familiar pull. There is so much beauty and fun and happiness in this world, if we allow ourselves to let it in. You can do this. I know that it takes work, and it can be scary and confronting, but it’s better than sinking into the abyss and staying there forever. That’s more scary than anything. You deserve to have a life that feels exciting and hopeful.

You’ve got this. You, yourself, are a miracle. Don’t you forget that. Sending you so much love.