September always marks the beginning of a new season for me. The time to pack up the life I have lived for the summer and jump back into my academic and professional life. This year September takes on an even more significant meaning for me. I have just signed on to begin my first Internship as a Substance Abuse Counselor. It is an exciting and nervous time for me, but I cannot wait to jump right in and get started.
Four years ago I was just beginning to put my life back together, wading through the aftermath of the divorce, trying to find the calm in the storm inside of me. And most of all I was struggling to find my voice again, to find my place in the world and find some purpose from all of the pain.
There are so many times I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to believe others when they say “it gets better.” because it really does. It is not easy. You have to want to FIGHT and WORK for it. I had to learn my worth and decide I was worth help and healing, and that I was worth recovery from my own hangups. I had to decide to fight through the shame and seek counseling. If I had never let go of all the things I was holding on to I could have never reached this place in my life.
It has been such a difficult road, but I would not have changed a thing along the way, because it has all lead me right to this place. Many things are changing and in many ways they are falling right into place.
I have found my voice. My purpose. And I am excited for this next season in my life.
Hope Rising Project 