I had to learn the hard way that this place we call earth (considered by many to be hell) can be quite a terrifying experience at times. It's difficult, and getting passed the ugly can be so overwhelming. Over the course of my life, I've been scared, I've been let down, I've been lost, I've been depressed, and I've been devastated. Ive been "beaten" and broken, put back together, only to be broken back down again and again. My entire life since the age of six has consisted of just "trying to feel better" in all senses of the word. I have no idea what it really means to just be OK. Every hurdle I seem to overcome seems to be met by another, anxiously awaiting its turn to attack. I have to appreciate all the good times, because I'm consistently treading a line of "is this all too good to be true?" Sometimes I really wonder if someone above is laughing at me while my sense of happiness is repeatedly challenged. Is this supposed to be some kind of sick joke?
In recent years, I have realized however, that I am not alone in my feelings. Almost everything that I have been through, someone, somewhere can relate. Last night I had such a refreshing conversation with a young woman fighting her own battle with MFM. Sharing our fears and frustrations left me feeling not only relieved but secure in knowing that we are strangely in this fight together. Better than any session with a therapist. As people, we are constantly looking to one another to hopefully prove that we can somehow overcome. Someone to show us that it doesn't have to be this way, you can find reasons to smile through the pain. Sometimes even just one person can make all the difference on a bad day. Venting is everything! We all get caught up, so don't give up on people because of their silly mistakes. It's not worth it. Stand together and fight for them! My hope is that in reading my book you can see that beyond your own personal cloud of darkness, happiness still exists. Whether you may be living with a chronic illness, battling drug addiction, conflicted about your sexuality, struggling to forgive those who have hurt you deeply, or losing a dear loved one...I can relate to you. I can show you that somewhere in there life is still worth living, life is still worth appreciating. You have to change your mental perspective! You have to decide that you want to fight and that you'll do whatever necessary to get passed the struggle. As I mention in my memoir "In life, no matter how ugly things get, you can always find the beauty. You simply have to know where to look." I have learned to appreciate so much in my life, because so much as been taken away from me. I am grateful to still be alive and be surrounded by people who love and support me. I am still working however, to find true happiness within myself. For example. MFM is attempting to rob me of the belief that I am capable of being loved by a life partner. Who would ever knowingly take on such a burden? As my condition progresses, so does my feeling that I will just never be good enough. Fortunately I am blessed to have people in my life that remind me how unrealistic that is and how special I am everyday. It really doesn't hurt to pay someone a compliment. Be kind and courteous, maybe find it somewhere inside you to share a smile--you never know what someone is going through and how much that can help. Even just a simple head nod could be a reminder that we are NOT ALONE and if anything "I've got you." So many of my friends and family make me feel safe when there is a million reasons for me not to. We balance each other out, and when I'm with them I forget about all the madness. At the end of it all, we have each other. I don't consider these moments as an escape, but rather I look at them as a reminder that their are certain things that make life worth loving and enjoying.
If even ONE life is affected positively after reading my book. Then I have certainly done my job.
-1 Man, 3 Hearts and STILL ALIVE.
Book can be purchased at the link below:
1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Knocked Down
It wasn't until pulling into my driveway on that sunny Thursday morning in July, that it really hit me that I was going to be home alone for the entire weekend. We had just celebrated my baby sister's beautiful engagement party, and now she was heading to Miami with some girlfriends. I had just dropped her around the corner at a friend's house, where her and her friends would wait for their ride to the airport. Her fiancé lives with us, but he was already down in New Orleans with his boys for a close friend's bachelor party. My mom was at work but would be spending the rest of the weekend with her boyfriend. How embarrassing, that as a 32 year old man, I am now forced to live in fear when being left all alone. In theory, I was actually excited to have the freedom of being on my own for a few days. I enjoy time to myself, and I can appreciate the peace and quiet. However, being that my physical health is currently compromised, the chances of something going wrong are significantly greater for me as opposed to someone else my age, and that is scary.
I usually don't like to entertain such negative thoughts as I do believe in the law of attraction. If I think I'm going to fall, chances are, I'm going to fall. But I let out a sigh of relief after making it down my basement stairs and into my apartment door safely. It was still early, and I had been up most of the night wrapping up some editing for my upcoming book, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, so I decided to head back to bed for a couple hours. I went to the bathroom first, then grabbed some water, and carelessly made my way down the hall to my bedroom. I threw the bottles of water on my bed, tossed my keys on my dresser and was about to lay down when my right foot clipped the the carpet at the foot of my bed. Its true when they say falling happens in slow motion. I distinctly remember realizing that I was barely missing my mattress and headed straight for the floor. The left side of my body hit the mattress first before I rolled off, slammed my head on the metal bed frame, and knocked out for a few seconds.
When I finally came to, panic set in. I felt my heart rate spike instantly, and my fingers began to tingle. No longer strong enough to get up from the floor on my own, I wasn't quite sure what to do. My ears were ringing, I was dizzy, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. My fear became so intense I almost pissed myself! Suddenly I shoved my hand into the right pocket of my sweatpants remembering I still had my phone. I had to slow down my breathing if I was going to be able to communicate anything I thought to myself as I dialed frantically. My sister was not scheduled to head out for another 15 minutes, and so my first thought was to call her as she most likely had not left yet.
"Hello?" she responded anxiously.
"Isa, I fell and I can't get up," I managed to say while remembering a TV commercial I used to mock growing up. The irony.
"Ok, Chris I'll be right there ok?! Just stay calm. CHRISTOPHE FELL..." I could hear her shout out before hanging up the phone.
My eyes scanned the room for ways to pull myself up. I was finally able to get my right arm up to my side table and managed to pull myself up into a sitting position. I relied on the fact that my sister would soon be there in order to calm down. Within a few seconds I could here her and her friend racing down the stairs,
"Chris! Christophe! I'm here!"
Hearing her voice was all I needed to slow down my heart rate as I closed my eyes in relief. One leg was still twisted and so I can only imagine their thoughts as they entered the room. Without hesitation they grabbed me under my arms and helped me up slowly. I then carefully sat down on my bed.
"Chris are you ok? Did you hurt anything? How did you fall? That must have been so scary right?!" my sister asked one after the other.
"I'm ok now I promise, you guys have a flight to catch. I'm good now. Go!" I said looking my sister in the eyes to let her know I was serious.
I never want my sister to worry. It wasn't until she reluctantly left however that I began to register that I had just hit my head pretty hard. My knee was also throbbing after twisting it in the process. I dropped my head and proceeded to sob. I wasn't crying because of the pain. I was just so grateful my sister and her friend were able to come to my rescue while simultaneously grieving the current state of what my life has come to. What would I have done without them? What if my phone was dead? How long would it have been before someone found me? Frustration overcame me as I truly knew that there wasn't much I could do to change my circumstances. As I cried my attention was suddenly drawn to the dogtag hanging from my neck swaying back and forth. It was given to me by four of my closest friends in the world, and I never take it off. It reads,
"Strength isn't always about muscles, what's inside eventually gets you through it" - BCEK
A quote taken from my upcoming book. My very own words were staring me in the face, reminding me that this was NOT the time to give in. This was NOT the time to give up. Ofcourse the road ahead isn't going to be easy, however this is my journey. This is God's plan for me. I began to remember my struggle. How long its been already, and all the things I'd overcome. Was I really about to let one fall impact me? My sobs turned to laughs as I realized the insignificance of it all. I was ok. I am going to be ok. Life is a constant fight. Just when things seem perfect, your entire world can change. Count your blessings, spread kindness and love, enjoy your loved ones. There are so many things I hate about my situation, and even after writing this blog I'm sure my perseverance will continue to be challenged. But for everyone facing a situation that seems hopeless, remember this, life will knock you straight to the ground. Sometimes you'll be too weak to getup. You'll panic! You'll think you're all alone. And just when all seems hopeless, angels may just come to your rescue and help you get back up!
T.N.S. - You were always one of my angels, only now you are in the sky. Thank you for always helping me get back up. <3
I usually don't like to entertain such negative thoughts as I do believe in the law of attraction. If I think I'm going to fall, chances are, I'm going to fall. But I let out a sigh of relief after making it down my basement stairs and into my apartment door safely. It was still early, and I had been up most of the night wrapping up some editing for my upcoming book, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, so I decided to head back to bed for a couple hours. I went to the bathroom first, then grabbed some water, and carelessly made my way down the hall to my bedroom. I threw the bottles of water on my bed, tossed my keys on my dresser and was about to lay down when my right foot clipped the the carpet at the foot of my bed. Its true when they say falling happens in slow motion. I distinctly remember realizing that I was barely missing my mattress and headed straight for the floor. The left side of my body hit the mattress first before I rolled off, slammed my head on the metal bed frame, and knocked out for a few seconds.
When I finally came to, panic set in. I felt my heart rate spike instantly, and my fingers began to tingle. No longer strong enough to get up from the floor on my own, I wasn't quite sure what to do. My ears were ringing, I was dizzy, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. My fear became so intense I almost pissed myself! Suddenly I shoved my hand into the right pocket of my sweatpants remembering I still had my phone. I had to slow down my breathing if I was going to be able to communicate anything I thought to myself as I dialed frantically. My sister was not scheduled to head out for another 15 minutes, and so my first thought was to call her as she most likely had not left yet.
"Hello?" she responded anxiously.
"Isa, I fell and I can't get up," I managed to say while remembering a TV commercial I used to mock growing up. The irony.
"Ok, Chris I'll be right there ok?! Just stay calm. CHRISTOPHE FELL..." I could hear her shout out before hanging up the phone.
My eyes scanned the room for ways to pull myself up. I was finally able to get my right arm up to my side table and managed to pull myself up into a sitting position. I relied on the fact that my sister would soon be there in order to calm down. Within a few seconds I could here her and her friend racing down the stairs,
"Chris! Christophe! I'm here!"
Hearing her voice was all I needed to slow down my heart rate as I closed my eyes in relief. One leg was still twisted and so I can only imagine their thoughts as they entered the room. Without hesitation they grabbed me under my arms and helped me up slowly. I then carefully sat down on my bed.
"Chris are you ok? Did you hurt anything? How did you fall? That must have been so scary right?!" my sister asked one after the other.
"I'm ok now I promise, you guys have a flight to catch. I'm good now. Go!" I said looking my sister in the eyes to let her know I was serious.
I never want my sister to worry. It wasn't until she reluctantly left however that I began to register that I had just hit my head pretty hard. My knee was also throbbing after twisting it in the process. I dropped my head and proceeded to sob. I wasn't crying because of the pain. I was just so grateful my sister and her friend were able to come to my rescue while simultaneously grieving the current state of what my life has come to. What would I have done without them? What if my phone was dead? How long would it have been before someone found me? Frustration overcame me as I truly knew that there wasn't much I could do to change my circumstances. As I cried my attention was suddenly drawn to the dogtag hanging from my neck swaying back and forth. It was given to me by four of my closest friends in the world, and I never take it off. It reads,
"Strength isn't always about muscles, what's inside eventually gets you through it" - BCEK
A quote taken from my upcoming book. My very own words were staring me in the face, reminding me that this was NOT the time to give in. This was NOT the time to give up. Ofcourse the road ahead isn't going to be easy, however this is my journey. This is God's plan for me. I began to remember my struggle. How long its been already, and all the things I'd overcome. Was I really about to let one fall impact me? My sobs turned to laughs as I realized the insignificance of it all. I was ok. I am going to be ok. Life is a constant fight. Just when things seem perfect, your entire world can change. Count your blessings, spread kindness and love, enjoy your loved ones. There are so many things I hate about my situation, and even after writing this blog I'm sure my perseverance will continue to be challenged. But for everyone facing a situation that seems hopeless, remember this, life will knock you straight to the ground. Sometimes you'll be too weak to getup. You'll panic! You'll think you're all alone. And just when all seems hopeless, angels may just come to your rescue and help you get back up!
T.N.S. - You were always one of my angels, only now you are in the sky. Thank you for always helping me get back up. <3
Thursday, July 16, 2015
In Loving Memory of Brandi! My dog, my best friend...
It was early in the summer of 2004 when our precious little pup came into our lives. I had been in and out of the hospital at the time due to complications with my first transplanted heart. My mom thought that having a dog in our lives would bring about some positive vibes and help keep my spirits up. After four years of feeling so healthy, I got very careless with taking my anti-rejection meds. This reckless behavior led to seven long months in the hospital and eventually my second heart transplant.
I knew I had messed up big time when I started having heart palpitations sometime during the end of May '04. My health declined rapidly in the weeks to follow. Every time I thought I was progressing, something would happen to land me right back in the hospital. It was torture. However, my family and I refused to give in to the belief that this was a problem that could not be fixed with a boost in steroid doses or some other form of treatment. Claude and I had plans to move into Hoboken that fall and despite my not feeling so well we moved forward with our apartment hunting. This helped me take my mind off things. I couldn't wait to finally be out on my own and living with my best friend, my brother! We both also really wanted a dog and figured it would be a good idea to get one while still living at home in order to give him/her proper house training. We had wanted a dog all our lives, but our parents had concerns that the responsibilities of owning a pet would eventually fall back on them. Being that they both worked serious jobs this was not an option. Our nanny and housekeeper Therese, did not like dogs very much, and she insisted that taking care of one was not part of her job description. However, now that Claude and I were older and prepared to move out on our own, my mother agreed to the decision.
She was only six weeks old when we got her and we knew instantly that she had to be ours from the second we laid eyes on her. I didn't see any other dog in the room but her.
"Do you want to play with her?" asked an employee who picked up on my interest.
Claude and I sat in the tiny cubicle with the soon to be the newest member of our family for what seemed like an eternity. She was so sweet, so innocent, and absolutely adorable. She loved Claude instantly and had him smiling from ear to ear. Seeing the joy that tiny animal brought to her sons left no room for my mother to even second guess her choice. I still couldn't even believe it was really happening. My excitement only grew as I walked our new puppy out to the car on the leash; an excited pep in every one of her tiny steps. I swear it's as if she knew she was going home. Isabelle was scared of her at first, which Claude and I found to be hysterical, but after just a few minutes she couldn't help but fall in love as well. Therese, was not happy about this situation at all. She was upset that no one had informed her of such a serious decision and was also worried that all responsibilities would eventually fall on her. However, I did my very best to reassure her that the decision to get a dog was a spontaneous one, and that Claude and I would take on the entire workload. We all sat together, and one by one took turns hugging her and playing with her on the kitchen floor. My mother never wanted a dog, and so I was particularly shocked to see her rolling on the floor bonding with our new pup. I later found out that she was just scared to love something so much knowing that one day she would have to eventually let go. My mother was fully aware that loss is a part of life, however the notion to knowingly introduce that into her life was a difficult concept for her to grasp.
"What should we name her guys?" asked Claude. "I think Mom should name her since she got her, haha."
"Let's call her BRANDI!" said my mom without hesitation.
My siblings and I stared at one another in confusion in regards to my mother's immediate response. It was a pretty name so we liked it. It was only years later that we found out during a dinner conversation that BRANDI'S fawn like colors reminded my mom of the little deer she had seen in the famous Disney movie called, "BAMBI". However, my mother grew up in Jamaica so, hence the confusion, lol.
Since that day BRANDI instantly became a part of our family. I never owned a pet of that magnitude prior to her and so I was unaware of the vast impact she would have on my life. BRANDI was so much more than a "just a dog". She was a powerful life-force, she was an unconditionally loving face at the door, she was a nurturer through sickness and health, she was our BEST FRIEND! I spent 7 months in the hospital waiting for my second transplant the year we got her, and during one of my weakest moments my family surprised me by bringing BRANDI to visit me. Seeing her cute little face reminded me that I had things waiting for me out in the world to LIVE for. Seeing her gave me just one more reason to FIGHT!
There were countless times I would come home from the hospital, and she would lay at my side watching over me for days on end. I loved her so much that I had no concern for "germs", and I would let her sleep with me every night. Even though she couldn't talk, her presence alone said enough. She was a companion, and she could change the worst of my moods. I still think about her all the time, and I laugh at all the crazy shit she put me through. I know without a doubt that we gave her a beautiful life but she also did the same for us. She brought us together as a family and reminded us of the true innocence that still remains in life. I miss her a lot but I am happy for the time that we had together. I'll always talk about her. I'll always remember her, and for as long as I am ALIVE...her spirit will be too!
We love you BRANDI! I'll see you on the rainbow bridge someday...
I knew I had messed up big time when I started having heart palpitations sometime during the end of May '04. My health declined rapidly in the weeks to follow. Every time I thought I was progressing, something would happen to land me right back in the hospital. It was torture. However, my family and I refused to give in to the belief that this was a problem that could not be fixed with a boost in steroid doses or some other form of treatment. Claude and I had plans to move into Hoboken that fall and despite my not feeling so well we moved forward with our apartment hunting. This helped me take my mind off things. I couldn't wait to finally be out on my own and living with my best friend, my brother! We both also really wanted a dog and figured it would be a good idea to get one while still living at home in order to give him/her proper house training. We had wanted a dog all our lives, but our parents had concerns that the responsibilities of owning a pet would eventually fall back on them. Being that they both worked serious jobs this was not an option. Our nanny and housekeeper Therese, did not like dogs very much, and she insisted that taking care of one was not part of her job description. However, now that Claude and I were older and prepared to move out on our own, my mother agreed to the decision.
She was only six weeks old when we got her and we knew instantly that she had to be ours from the second we laid eyes on her. I didn't see any other dog in the room but her.
"Do you want to play with her?" asked an employee who picked up on my interest.
Claude and I sat in the tiny cubicle with the soon to be the newest member of our family for what seemed like an eternity. She was so sweet, so innocent, and absolutely adorable. She loved Claude instantly and had him smiling from ear to ear. Seeing the joy that tiny animal brought to her sons left no room for my mother to even second guess her choice. I still couldn't even believe it was really happening. My excitement only grew as I walked our new puppy out to the car on the leash; an excited pep in every one of her tiny steps. I swear it's as if she knew she was going home. Isabelle was scared of her at first, which Claude and I found to be hysterical, but after just a few minutes she couldn't help but fall in love as well. Therese, was not happy about this situation at all. She was upset that no one had informed her of such a serious decision and was also worried that all responsibilities would eventually fall on her. However, I did my very best to reassure her that the decision to get a dog was a spontaneous one, and that Claude and I would take on the entire workload. We all sat together, and one by one took turns hugging her and playing with her on the kitchen floor. My mother never wanted a dog, and so I was particularly shocked to see her rolling on the floor bonding with our new pup. I later found out that she was just scared to love something so much knowing that one day she would have to eventually let go. My mother was fully aware that loss is a part of life, however the notion to knowingly introduce that into her life was a difficult concept for her to grasp.
"What should we name her guys?" asked Claude. "I think Mom should name her since she got her, haha."
"Let's call her BRANDI!" said my mom without hesitation.
My siblings and I stared at one another in confusion in regards to my mother's immediate response. It was a pretty name so we liked it. It was only years later that we found out during a dinner conversation that BRANDI'S fawn like colors reminded my mom of the little deer she had seen in the famous Disney movie called, "BAMBI". However, my mother grew up in Jamaica so, hence the confusion, lol.
Since that day BRANDI instantly became a part of our family. I never owned a pet of that magnitude prior to her and so I was unaware of the vast impact she would have on my life. BRANDI was so much more than a "just a dog". She was a powerful life-force, she was an unconditionally loving face at the door, she was a nurturer through sickness and health, she was our BEST FRIEND! I spent 7 months in the hospital waiting for my second transplant the year we got her, and during one of my weakest moments my family surprised me by bringing BRANDI to visit me. Seeing her cute little face reminded me that I had things waiting for me out in the world to LIVE for. Seeing her gave me just one more reason to FIGHT!
There were countless times I would come home from the hospital, and she would lay at my side watching over me for days on end. I loved her so much that I had no concern for "germs", and I would let her sleep with me every night. Even though she couldn't talk, her presence alone said enough. She was a companion, and she could change the worst of my moods. I still think about her all the time, and I laugh at all the crazy shit she put me through. I know without a doubt that we gave her a beautiful life but she also did the same for us. She brought us together as a family and reminded us of the true innocence that still remains in life. I miss her a lot but I am happy for the time that we had together. I'll always talk about her. I'll always remember her, and for as long as I am ALIVE...her spirit will be too!
We love you BRANDI! I'll see you on the rainbow bridge someday...
RIP <3 7/16/14 <3
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Transparency & Positivity
After OVERCOMING so many medical obstacles and CONQURING so many difficult battles, for the first time I seem to be faced with a medical problem I cannot SOLVE. My condition is progressive, which technically means it will only get worse over time. I have hit a dead end in the rat maze. I am frustrated. How is it that I spent all of my life FIGHTING illness only to find myself in such a hopeless position. And that's when I remember how far I've come and laugh... LIFE is testing me again and clearly still unaware that I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! I am a FIGHTER & a SURVIVOR. I am here for a REASON, and it's starting to become quite clear what that is.
It's hard for most of us to wake up in 2015 and not have something to worry about. The world we live in is a chaotic one; full of constant sensory overload and an unlimited all access pass into Pandora's box. We all have things going on in our lives, we all have to demons to face, and challenges we must OVERCOME. Social, personal, serious, trivial, and everything in between from loss, illness, substance abuse, divorce, sexual confusion, racism, domestic violence, child abuse, poverty, infidelity, and the list goes on..
My current situation as it stands is a tough one. I am living with Myofibrillar Myopathy. My body is slowly giving up on me and it seems as though there is nothing I can do to stop it. There is no treatment for what I have. Between a lack of funding and so few people even being diagnosed there are no clinical trials in progress. My legs just want to quit on me. I swear I can practically hear my wheelchair calling out to me as I walk by it.
"Why do you even bother? Give up already. Just sit."
My arms, feeling left out, have decided to compete with my legs for weakness. This makes daily tasks more challenging. As if a lot of work doesn't go into LOOKING AS GOOD AS I DO as it stands, LOL. Walking is getting harder and running is something I'm only lucky enough to experience in a dream every now and again. Not only I can't chase my niece and nephew in the park, I can't pick them up and hold them either. If you have children, TREASURE THESE MOMENTS! Being an adult of divorced parents can be a nightmare. Certain HAPPY moments of pride or accomplishment are potentially tainted by a dark cloud of hate and disgust. As if all of this wasn't enough, mix in today's social living pressures and personal insecurities. My life is no walk in the park, but I do my best to always look my best and make it seem that way.
The way I see it, things could always be worse and most situations can be approached in one of two ways. POSITIVE and negative. As cliché as this idea may seem, the difficult task of taking a POSITIVE approach to a rather dreadful situation is what is keeping me ALIVE to this day. If you can find yourself in a negative frame of mind and switch ur thought pattern you may be surprised at the results you see. Positive thinking is usually contagious and can catch like wildfire. The same however goes for negative thinking. Try to gain some perspective. Take a step back from your emotions and analyze your feelings in proportion to other issues going on in your life. You may find that some of the things you end up worrying about the most, are also the most illogical and senseless. If you look back you will notice certain words are bolded and highlighted. This is because amidst all the chaos written on this page, with everything I am currently facing in my life, these are the words I choose to focus on.
When you look at my track record, it is quite evident that all the odds were against me, but I OVERCAME, time and time again. Unfortunately, I know many people who were not as lucky and died for less. The fight has been long and hard; I have the wounds and scars to prove it. I AM FORTUNATE AND I AM HAPPY! I count my BLESSINGS. It really is the little things. Looking into the eyes of my niece and nephew make me happy. Time with my FAMILY makes me happy. GOOD FOOD and GOOD MUSIC make me happy. A NICE DAY makes me happy. My FAITH KEEPS ME HAPPY! TRUE FRIENDS! And even if for just those reasons alone, I will continue fighting, day after day, refusing to allow LIFE to succeed in it's desperate attempts to break me. I truly believe people can learn a lot from my experiences. My autobiography is almost complete; a memoir built on the premise of TRANSPARENCY and POSITIVITY!
I know I will be ok, because in all of my battles #LOVEWINS
My current situation as it stands is a tough one. I am living with Myofibrillar Myopathy. My body is slowly giving up on me and it seems as though there is nothing I can do to stop it. There is no treatment for what I have. Between a lack of funding and so few people even being diagnosed there are no clinical trials in progress. My legs just want to quit on me. I swear I can practically hear my wheelchair calling out to me as I walk by it.
"Why do you even bother? Give up already. Just sit."
My arms, feeling left out, have decided to compete with my legs for weakness. This makes daily tasks more challenging. As if a lot of work doesn't go into LOOKING AS GOOD AS I DO as it stands, LOL. Walking is getting harder and running is something I'm only lucky enough to experience in a dream every now and again. Not only I can't chase my niece and nephew in the park, I can't pick them up and hold them either. If you have children, TREASURE THESE MOMENTS! Being an adult of divorced parents can be a nightmare. Certain HAPPY moments of pride or accomplishment are potentially tainted by a dark cloud of hate and disgust. As if all of this wasn't enough, mix in today's social living pressures and personal insecurities. My life is no walk in the park, but I do my best to always look my best and make it seem that way.
The way I see it, things could always be worse and most situations can be approached in one of two ways. POSITIVE and negative. As cliché as this idea may seem, the difficult task of taking a POSITIVE approach to a rather dreadful situation is what is keeping me ALIVE to this day. If you can find yourself in a negative frame of mind and switch ur thought pattern you may be surprised at the results you see. Positive thinking is usually contagious and can catch like wildfire. The same however goes for negative thinking. Try to gain some perspective. Take a step back from your emotions and analyze your feelings in proportion to other issues going on in your life. You may find that some of the things you end up worrying about the most, are also the most illogical and senseless. If you look back you will notice certain words are bolded and highlighted. This is because amidst all the chaos written on this page, with everything I am currently facing in my life, these are the words I choose to focus on.
When you look at my track record, it is quite evident that all the odds were against me, but I OVERCAME, time and time again. Unfortunately, I know many people who were not as lucky and died for less. The fight has been long and hard; I have the wounds and scars to prove it. I AM FORTUNATE AND I AM HAPPY! I count my BLESSINGS. It really is the little things. Looking into the eyes of my niece and nephew make me happy. Time with my FAMILY makes me happy. GOOD FOOD and GOOD MUSIC make me happy. A NICE DAY makes me happy. My FAITH KEEPS ME HAPPY! TRUE FRIENDS! And even if for just those reasons alone, I will continue fighting, day after day, refusing to allow LIFE to succeed in it's desperate attempts to break me. I truly believe people can learn a lot from my experiences. My autobiography is almost complete; a memoir built on the premise of TRANSPARENCY and POSITIVITY!
I know I will be ok, because in all of my battles #LOVEWINS
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