If you've ever had a brush with death, you've seen his face. It is a shadow of the past, projecting your regrets and important life stories. Within seconds, your whole life is placed in front of you. As you stare, death reaches his hand out to grab you and pull you away from the weight of living. For a moment, you consider letting him take you away. The pain you have endured in life was enough, and you're ready to move on. However, death's gentle touch is an illusion, clenching tighter into a chokehold. Will you let go before it's too late?

I did.

After getting side swiped by a drunk driver, I found myself upside down with my fiancé unconscious next to me. It was a miracle we survived, let alone having the ability to walk shortly after. My gift of life was nothing short of a blessing, but what came after was nothing short of a nightmare. To this day, the images shake me awake or out of control, whether it'd be in my sleep or while doing something as mundane as watching television. However, I wouldn't have grown this strong as an individual or as a future wife without this horrifying experience.

There are a few things I kept in mind while coping with this inevitable tragedy. Some of these, if not all, can help you in your time of need:

Be Honest

Your experience will haunt you up to your last day. It will become an imprint carved in your mind, forever tainting your memories. It will be impossible to repress it, if not make it worse. Therefore, being honest with yourself and others will bring you one step closer to rehabilitation. Repression=Depression.

Don't Give Up

After the car accident, I gained 40 pounds and let go of my will to live. If you are given a second chance at life, LIVE. There is a reason for everything in this world, including why each of us are walking on this earth. You did not get spared to sit at home feeling sorry for yourself. Go out and find your passion.

Reach Out

Whether you believe it or not, you have people to talk to; friends, family, teachers, coworkers, even doctors. If you feel you're better off talking to a professional, many insurances cover some sort of therapy. It's important to know if you have mental or physical complications, like PTSD, depression or chronic pain. Anything left untreated will become much worse overtime.

Look Forward

Death shows you your life for a reason. Within a flash, your life is gone. If given another chance, this is your opportunity to begin anew. Feel free to start a new career, make new friends or simply find a new way of life. It's been proven that we remember bad experiences more vividly than good experiences. Focusing on the past will halt your path to recovery.

Most importantly, everyone's path to rehabilitation is different. What helped me day by day may not be as effective for someone else. If you feel your experience is more than you can handle on your own, I urge you to visit your doctor, therapist or even call a hotline. Life can be a heavy burden on us sometimes, but dropping it behind you only leaves it for someone else to pick up. I hope my experience gives you a sense of comfort, that you're not alone. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember this:

If you are strong enough to loosen the grip of death, you climb the tallest mountain.