Listen, we all struggle. For some of us it’s episodic, but for others it’s a chronic condition. Either way, pain is real and should be seen and valued.

I’ve come to learn that one way or another, if one’s wounds are unattended, they find a way to make themselves known – sometimes in the most dramatic of ways – like when I had my first panic attack in the middle of  a benign load of laundry.

When my forsaken parts really started to demand attention, I dug in with an incredible counselor and journeyed deep into my what was, my what is, and my what could be.

The path continues as I acknowledge and examine and embrace these bits within myself that are hurt and also available to allow me to heal.

This is all to say that life can be hard and overwhelming and deeply dispiriting, but it is also fragile and finite and oh so precious.

So I say, we all Reach Out to someone dear, or someone trained, someone trusted or someone objective, we accept that we cannot control what was, we can only grant grace for what is, and seek serenity for what could be.

If the sun rises tomorrow, there is another possibility for beauty, for peace.

There have been plenty of rough patterns to smooth into, and tough turns to contemplate, but I know with sturdy tools I can make my travels through life more gentle and intentional and peaceful.

I wish the same for us all. I hope each of us can celebrate our depths and our quirks, consider our stories and our tales, challenge our patterns and our choices, and ultimately create a life that is meaningful despite all of the mundane and misfortunes.

This is all just to say that we are not alone – ever. It may feel that way and look bleak, but there can be hope and healing. Please, if you are uncertain or unsteady, Reach Out – to someone dear, to a professional, to me.

Let’s take the energy from our hurts and  practice 15 minutes of relentless self care each day. Let’s make beauty from the many blemishes. Let’s make meaning from the most mundane aspects of midlife, any life, all life. Start Here today.