The hardest parts of our life often times feel like they are going to last forever. I know for many years of my life I thought this way. Whether the hard time really only last hours or a few days it felt like it was never going to end. The last 22 years of my life have felt a lot like digging myself out of a hole I was pushed into without permission. As I’m nearing the end of my 22nd tour around the sun I finally feel like I am indeed getting closer to the top of that hole. However, there are so many people in my life that do not feel the same way. Some are older than me by decades and some are just a few years behind. All of our experiences have been so incredibly different but I know there is similar truth in all of it: the night won’t last forever. 

I know my sweet friends that it may feel like that RIGHT NOW, but the cool thing about the now is that it, too, won’t last forever. The thing that’s weighing so heavy on your heart will lighten up soon. Now, here’s the tricky part….the concept of “soon” looks very different for everyone. My “soon” took nearly 23 years before I felt like I wasn’t constantly carrying around weight on my shoulders. For some, it comes after a brief season. For some, it takes decades. For others it may be pass after a few days. Just please know your “soon” is on it’s way.

Whether you are religious or not, I want you to know that you were created with intent and purpose. YOU could have been ANYONE when you were born and you are YOU, and this world would look all too different without you. We were made to live in community. Find people. Seek out people. Make sure you are never sailing the seas of this life alone, you were never intended to. IF you ever catch yourself navigating the seas of this life alone and you become tired please know these things:

• You are so important.
• The things rocking your boat will settle soon.
• The things you do and the space you take up in this life matters.
• Mental health is real. Your sadness is real.
• 1-800-273-8255. This hotline is available to you 24/7.
• your night won’t last forever. 

To the friends of those struggling: be there for the people who need it. Ask them how you can help b/c they probably won’t ask for the help themselves. Show up when they need you. “Giving up” a few hours of your day is worth their life, I promise. Validate them and show empathy…sometimes that’s all they need.

We’re all in this life together.

Life–it’s important.

So are you.