Yes You Can!

You have to want to get better in order to get better...  Today's writing is inspired by a story I came across, Bipolar and Proud: The Incredibly True Story of Andy Behrman  http://causes.msn.com/mental_health_month/#section=infographic.  After reading this piece I decided to look deeper into this story.  What hit home was one statement that Andy made after hearing a talk from a psychiatrist “my takeaway from the talk was that one had to want to get better in order to get better.  This really resonated with me, and motivated me to go the library and check out Andy' memoir Electroboy.  You see,  the meaning, understanding, action, and intention behind these words are something that I identify with and completely embrace.  In fact, often it is the underlying force behind one changing for the better. However, as I have come to know its not that simple.  Not only do you have to want to get better, you have to believe you can get better, and the most important part of the recipe, YOU HAVE TO COMMIT TO THE WORK NEEDED IN ORDER TO GET THERE!  Once again not shouting but demonstrating the importance of these words.  My writing is influenced by many sources and experiences that have come my way, and I would be negligent with my intention if I was unable to share with you, that the underlying source behind these words is my exposure to challenge, my struggle with it, and the learning and growth that comes with wanting to get better, believing I could, and committing to the work!

So, as I write away from the Los Angles Public Library immersed into my role as a participant observer, I breathe well.  I breathe well because I know that my words are able to allow others the opportunity to learn through my eyes.  My words come from that place that is cultivated from the experience of falling down along the way, but always striving to get up and move forward.  We've all heard the statement before "you can do it if you want to."  Sounds so simple, but in fact it is not.  Just like anything that is important to us, it takes not only our attachment to, but effort, practice, patience, trust, sacrifice, determination, resilience, and every day for the rest of your days.  Yes, it does and guess what?  When you feel that you are at this place, the hardest work is yet to come.  What do I mean by that?  The maintenance of well-being and self-care is the hard part.  Think about that statement for a minute...  Now, imagine a scenario in your daily movement that throws you off your path, taking you to a place that opens the door to negative and unhealthy outcomes, it is here that you must work, you must implement the coping mechanisms, well-being skills, and tools that you have worked so hard to achieve.  You may be thinking yeah, so?  Well, the so is that at these moments it is so easy to crash out, light up, drink down, and any other way that one copes in a unhealthy manner.  It is at these moments where you have to use all you have to stand up, stay up, and be strong.  The work never ends, never stops, it is a part of you, and until you get to this place, no matter how much you want to get better to be better, you probably will fall short, convincing yourself that I just can't do it right now, someday I will, tomorrow is a new day.  Nope, suppressing and avoiding aren't your friends on this path.

Thank you once again for allowing me to share through my lens, one that is straight from the heart, an experiential journey that has provided me with so many wonderful (teachable) moments.  I have wanted to get better so that I could be better for quite some time.  I can respectfully say that I am there, amongst the often moments that I still have working towards progress.  So, as the header at the top of this site states "Words with a voice, a story, and an opportunity to inspire others to change for the better!"  This is what resides beneath Can You Hear Me?  Until we meet again may this find you well, keep your head up and heart open, you'll find your way!