How I Stopped Letting My Circumstances Define Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How I Stopped Letting My Circumstances Define Me

I couldn't accept laying in bed my whole life

14
How I Stopped Letting My Circumstances Define Me

Over and over again, I have been told 'You are doing too much!' 'You don't have as much energy, don't bother working so hard.' 'Just relax.' These words drive me completely insane. The way I see it, we all have something that makes everyday life difficult for ourselves. Whether it be a mental or physical illness, the stress of financial burdens, the stress of relationships, trying to manage children, there are a million reasons that someone can be struggling in life and worried that they are stuck in a situation they cannot get out of.

First and foremost, your health comes first. Whatever that means to you. If you need to take a break and not do anything for a few months, if you need to move closer to a support system, if you need someone to help you, if you need to take medication, that is ok. There is no one size fits all for dealing with an issue. If you feel like you are doing ok, then that is what is right for you. You are in charge, not society, not your family, not your friends, you choose what feels rights.

So that being said, I knew that I was not ok, but I needed something to channel my energy into or else I would get even worsening depression. This being the case, I chose school and work to be my focuses. If I am not doing either oof those things, I usually am in bed trying to relax or asleep, but I came to realize that is ok. I knew that if I did not work or go to school and just laid in bed all day without doing anything to better myself, I would not be doing anything to help myself if I ever did get better, and if I don't, I wanted to find a reasonable amount of what I could handle because I refused to live my life in bed.

I did things day by day. I learned what type of jobs I could handle and what type of jobs took too much out of me. I quit a job that was causing me too much stress and took a much lower paying job in order to help my health. I put myself first but refused to give up completely. I knew that some days I would feel like I couldn;t juggle everything and some days I would break down--this does happen, but I knew that it was better than me not trying at all. I make time for doctors appointments and have little time to go out with friends, but I knew that was the cost I would have to pay for putting my health and future first. Sometimes it is lonely, but at least I am learning my limits and making myself know that I can have a career despite my illness and I can work just as hard if not harder as someone who has no health issues because I have so much drive that comes from trying to prove myself.

You can choose to sit down and accept the cards you have been dealt or you can fight like hell for what you know you can do.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187652
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13251
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456627
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25865
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments