"I am a burden"

That phrase is one of the hardest to hear when you love a person. I would know because I have not only heard it, but I have been guilty of saying it. The truth is that when a person says this they truly mean it. Sure, some people are looking for others to respond "no you aren't" and give them attention, but when most people say this they truly believe it to be true.

The truth is that you are not a burden

Life will get hard sometimes. I'm not going to sugar coat it, no matter how hard it gets you should never devalue yourself. I am a strong believer that everyone has a purpose. Some days you may not realize how much of an impact you can have on others around you, but everyone can make an impact on others when they make the effort.

The best advice I can give you when you feel worthless, like a burden, is to do something productive. It will be difficult to find the motivation, but if you dig down deep you can find the will to do something for others. Write something, text a friend, start a new project, but please don't give up. Sometimes all it takes to snap you out of this feeling is a text that says "I love you" whereas other times it requires extensive reasoning and conversation. Regardless of how long it takes, your friends and family are always more than happy to remind you of your worth because you do have a worth.

I know first hand that times get hard. I live every day with multiple chronic illnesses, always in pain, and I have found myself feeling worthless, like a burden at times myself. I feel like I cause more problems than I solve at times, but that is when I write an article. Those times are when I find a way to help others when I cannot help myself. I write a positive message to others, and I help myself along the way. This may not work for everyone, but next time you feel like a burden (whether you are sick or not) please try this.

Everyone in this world has a purpose. I am not religious, but I am a big believer that everyone has a reason for being here no matter how small. I may be sick, but I have found my purpose in advocating and writing. You may feel worthless at the moment, but when you open up about your struggles and let others in you may learn a lot about yourself. You may find unknown hobbies, passions, and learn how to better cope with the bad times.

Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. Others may appear to have better hair than you, or you may feel that they have more of a purpose, but you are your own person. You have a reason to live, to be here. You can help others. You may not realize how much of an impact you can have on others, but by opening up to others and telling them how you feel you may find out that you have a greater meaning in life.

You are not a burden.

You are not worthless.

You do have a purpose.