I wanted to have control over it. I envisioned myself quickly racing through the recovery process.

I was optimistic that the first medicine and therapist would help, and that I would be able to go back to school come second semester, and be the happy and optimistic Erin that everyone enjoyed being around.

I told myself: "Once this is over, you can help others, and this will be how you gain back your worth."

Today, I must express gratitude... for at this moment in my life, I am the strongest and most in love with myself than I have ever been before!

.. And ya know what? I am still taking things, just ONE. DAY. AT. A. TIME.

I'd like to share one of the greatest traits that have helped me reach this point in my journey: the ability to ADAPT.

If you want happiness or success, you are going to need to learn how to adapt to whatever crazy s*** life throws at you.

We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react.

Adaptable people are those whom, when confronted with change, do not shut down. Instead, their minds are open and ready to think creatively about how to respond.

For instance, when I transferred to Oakland University, instead of being angry that I would be living at home and commuting- I realized that I needed to find ways to be active and out of the house.

So.... I learned how to ride a bicycle (yes at 21) and have loved it! I love biking for miles and miles on beautiful trails and being connected to our beautiful mother nature.

I have also made the effort to make friends in class and ask them what clubs/activities they are involved in.

Adaptable people are INVENTIVE AND RESOURCEFUL.

One of my best friends happens to attend the university I am at (a blessing really) so, I asked her to partner with me to get more involved on campus.( We joined the Outdoor Club on campus and love it!)

Adaptable people can identify THE ADVANTAGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ALL SITUATIONS...

Now that I commute, I have been able to spend more time with my dog and family!

This time that I am getting to spend with my Grandmothers' and my dog is priceless.

Adaptable people accept that THEY HOLD THE RESPONSIBILITY in their life.

As the months went by, and I continued to find no relief from any treatment or drug, I felt hopeless. I wanted answers! I was furious at these doctors for not being God and knowing how to fix the chemical imbalance in my brain.

I wanted my family to be able to help me figure out what to do. Eventually, I realized that Iwas the one who had to choose to keep fighting.

I've changed, I've adapted, I've grown, and I am so grateful to just be where I am in this moment.

Sending love and light your way always,

-ee