I just found this quote, “When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere” by Francois de La Rochefoucauld.  This quote is fitting to the turmoil some people I care deeply about seem to be dealing with.  It wasn’t long ago when this quote fit me.

A few years ago, I was dealing with a deep depression.  My life wasn’t working out the way I had planned.  So I thought if I kept moving all over the country, I would find my happiness.  Instead, I just accrued more debt and misery.  I gained life experiences but at the time, I was so far into the darkness that I couldn’t see any bright side to what I was going through.  I kept looking for my happiness in places, things, or people.  It never occurred to me to look within.  It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that my eyes opened and I realized I needed help. 

I started seeing a therapist who told me that the majority of my depression was cognitive.  I needed to change the way I was thinking about myself and my life.  My therapist would listen to what I was going through and offer strategies on how to get through the day.

It has been a long tough road but I feel like I am finally in the light.  I spent years in the darkness.  Looking back, I know I had to go through all of that in order to be the strong, independent woman I am today.  Everything in life happens for a reason.  And when we start to understand that we have to endure suffering in order to eventually see the truth and gain enlightenment, then we can find peace within ourselves and make it through the tough times.

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