Dearest Steemians and most importantly #WOMENOFSTEEMIT,
I’m sure you’ve noticed I haven’t been around as of late, no new wine farms, nothing about cheese or my #WOMANOFSTEEMIT weekly feature. :(
Although I should be, I am not here to apologize but rather share my latest journey with you all. And what an extremely needed life changing experience it was…
I’ll try and keep this part short and sweet because this is not something I want to receive pity from but rather to share this emotional voyage which I hope in turn inspires you to ‘Check yourself before you wreck yourself’ :P
I have a history of depression which recently ‘flared up’ (actually it was about 6 months ago but I was so blinded by the pressures I had created for myself I completely missed it) and this time I discovered it came with some PTSD coated in anxiety. I slowly shut myself off from the world and the life which existed around me.
I then went to visit my psychiatrist who brought it to my attention that I can enter a psychiatric facility should I wish to. Lucky enough I have medical insurance which allows 21 days as in in-patient. He never mentioned that I need to stay there for the 21 days but rather gave me the choice of how long I would like to progress. I would be seeing him regularly as well as my psychologist - who happens to also be an angel BTW!
We spoke about the idea back and forth, I kind of resisted it at first. I had asked him 3 times “ Are you sure the walls aren’t padded and people walk around in straight jackets?” hahahaha
The very next day I ‘checked in’ and boy I wasn’t expecting what waited for me behind those lilac doors. A peaceful paradise which provided all the tools needed to ignite the fire in me again.
Each day was filled with sessions with both doctors, monitoring my mood as well as medication intake, checking blood pressure, exercising, group activities, arts n crafts, movie nights with fellow healing souls, spoiling myself and learning how to be self-aware with myself and others.They feed you like there is no tomorrow, you could easily roll out of there but when you learn to love yourself like I did, you realize your body is a temple with a slight chemical imbalance and that it should be taken care of.
Do you wanna know the best thing about this all? I could do it wearing my cosy slippers and no bra for all the days. #SLIPPERSOFSTEEMIT
All of this and most importantly the 200% effort I put in, ended up in 30 days which resulted in great friendships, an even stronger relationship with my special man and most importantly getting my life back!
I am not only 30 days sober (AND COUNTING) but also very present in the moment. I start every day with a new measurable intent. Annddd… if I fail today you know what, I try again tomorrow. It’s not a race and I have control.
This is not something I am ashamed about and nor should anyone be. Its simply to share that it’s ok to be weak and to accept defeat. When you open your eyes again you get back up and try try again. I will be forever grateful for the people and the positive space provided.
So #WOMENOFSTEEMIT, send me something inspirational, which gave you joy or made you realize your purpose in life. If you did it in your slippers even better hehehe . And I will be looking thru old posts and awarding women from the womenofsteemit pot and trying to carry on with the Monday womenofsteemit sessions.
Remember this, be kind with your words, never assume, don’t take things personally and lastly whatever you do, give it horns!!!!
I wish you all a wonderful path in life and I am absolutely too excited to show you what happens next.
Peace, Love and Light
@MELKAY