Change

The concept of someone changing and starting a new is always an fascinating concept, we all want to do it at some point in some form, and most of all when we decide to change, we immediately expect everyone else to move forward with us. Unfortunately this does not miraculously happen, not everyone wants to or can get used to the ‘newer’ you.

Some people prefer the old you, maybe you were a push over and now you stand up for yourself, maybe you used to be an addict, made mistakes and now you are clean.

There are just some individuals that cannot and do no want to get past it and will always remind you of who you WERE.

I struggle with this sometimes, because I know I have changed a great deal, but I know their are individuals who are not ready to let go of the old me, that want to keep their energies going by holding onto the past and refuse to acknowledge it.

On days when I let it get to me it frustrates me and gets under my skin, but deep down I know that anyone who personally cannot let you move forward must be left behind where they would prefer to be.

Its not easy to let go, change and move forward and you would think that most people would praise such a step, changing your mindset and the way you choose to live your life for the better, is a courageous and brave thing to do. So if you are reading this and can relate, know that I COMMEND AND SUPPORT YOU!

However, their will always be someone who is more comfortable holding a grudge and someone who believes you are faking it and incapable of change, my answer to this is not to fight with them or argue with them let them be because that only takes you to their level and back to the place they would prefer you to stay. Its takes SO much energy to hold a grudge and all those feelings are only detrimental and affects the person who chooses to hold it.

I am by no means a new and perfect person, I have just learned a lot from my mistakes and choosing to live differently going forward.I am acknowledging my mistakes and not acting like they never happened and that there is the difference.

When someone decides to change their life positively why not choose to commend them and encourage them instead of being miserable and cynical about it? How they ever going to be able to move forward with their lives if they are constantly reminded of what used to be?

Everyone deserves a second chance, but their are some, who only want to believe this, when they want that second chance for themselves.

Mental Health and Mental Illness – Knowing the difference

It is essential to learn and know the difference.

We ALL have mental health just as we have physical health.

The difference is that we have always been made to be aware that we need look after our physical health, a pain here an ache there, and we are aware that there is a problem and off to the doctor we go.

Then there is the easily given sympathy and well wishes that come with your complaints. Leaving our mental health as an after thought.

However mental illness sets in when our mental health isn’t well and looked after as it should be, but we are not as used to or as privy to noticing and noting those changes. The perception of anyone complaining about their mental health is usually met with stigmatised attitudes of just being dramatic, attention seeking and playing the victim. Which why 2 in 3 individuals end up suffering in silence.

Many people live with an Mental Illness for years not knowing it, just thinking that it is them, that is this life and struggle on and carry a clouded extreme negative view of life.

That is why we need more awareness around mental health and what is actually is to everyone. 1 in 4 people will deal with a Mental Health issue it is essential to recognise your trail of thought and where it is taking you. There is a difference between a bad day and wanting to end your life because of that day.

Natasha Benjamin of Free Your Mind states ‘for most of my life I dealt with a mental illness but didn’t know it, I just thought I was a little bit odd and attracted ‘bad things and that I just wasn’t meant to live a happy life. This view affected all areas of my life, including my friendships, family and even my employment. It wasn’t until I read an article on mental illness that it resonated with me and how I was feeling that I sought help’

Many people also live life similarly, so it essential for people to be educated on looking after their minds as well as their bodies, it is just as important if not more. Think about it, your mind processes all your thoughts from the moment you get up in the morning to the point that you go to bed at night, there fore having a healthy mind is extremely essential.

There is a difference between just wanting some me time, to becoming a total recluse and cutting everyone off. Its is the difference in extremes from a positive healthy outlook to the opposite that we need to be aware of. A change in ones mental health can affect anyone at any-time, it is an invisible illness which frequently makes other uncomfortable and the reason why many live with it undiagnosed.
It is important to be mindful and educated to recognise the difference.

 

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