06/05/2026
I find myself in a position where I have at least a handful of friends and acquaintances, neighbours and family going through major health battles physically or mentally. Depression, cancer, chronic pain.
Life is s**t, and then it isn't, and then it is again. And then one day things seem brighter, the load lighter, the problems not so bad. And sometimes it takes a REALLY long time to see the good in life again. The small, shimmery glimpses of joy that show up in the least likely places.
The warmth of the sun on your face. The laugh of a friend or child, bursting out unexpectedly. The courage you find within to keep pushing on, the words you say to yourself. Language matters, words matter.
What we say to ourselves in our darkest moments, are the words that stick, that define who we are. Think of a conversation you've had that has been hurtful. You have probably gone away and stewed, and thought up witty rejoinders far too late. You've probably doubted yourself. Words matter.
And when life is s**t, when it seems like the tunnel will never end, that it is easier to give up than keep trying, remember that. Notice the words you say to yourself.
Words like amazing, strong, courageous, powerful, enduring, confident, positive, optimistic, resilient, tenacious, plucky, brave, spirited. Words that lift you up, that empower you to keep on keeping on. You are as amazing as the worst day you have ever lived, because you survived that. And you keep on surviving. And living. And thriving.
And it is hard, and tiring, and sometimes you need to rest. And that is okay too. Life wasn't meant to be easy, or smooth, or happy all the time. Life sucks. And we do the best we can with the cards we've been dealt.
But none of that matters when you are in pain, when your mind is fighting you, when your body is betraying you. Life sucks. But look for the good. It is there. In your heart beat, your smile, your hope. In your life. You are alive. Today. Now. Moment to moment. Tomorrow will sort itself out. Live today. Come what may. Live today.