Hope :: You’re Not the Only One

When we’re in the middle of trials of any sort, it’s natural to feel like we’re alone. It can feel like we’re the only ones who have ever felt a certain way. We may know deep in our hearts that it’s not true, but we’ll often feel that we’re:

• The only one to lose a parent, grandparent, sibling, or any other relative.
• The only one to lose a child (to death, miscarriage, stillbirth, etc.).
• The only one who regrets getting an abortion.
• The only one who’s ever been raped.
• The only one who’s ever been abused.
• The only one who’s ever been molested.
• The only one who’s been homeless or on the verge of being homeless.
• The only one to lose a job without warning.
• The only one who’s been an addict.
• The only one who’s self-harmed.
• The only one…

You get the idea. This list could go on for miles and miles. And in your own feelings, you’re right: no one has ever felt exactly 100% the way you do right now, but that’s because you’re a unique human being who deals with things in your own way.

But in a broader sense, you’re not the only one. So many people know exactly what you’re going through right now and they’ve made it through to where they are today.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard to reach out to people. If you feel shame or guilt for something you’ve done or that’s been done to you, it can be nearly impossible to reach out.

If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to “regular” people, seek a counselor. I’ve done it throughout my life when things seem to get to be too much.

But if you do feel comfortable enough to send out feelers, to connect with others, there are so many support groups and individuals who have been where you are.

You’re not the only one, and you WILL make it through, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

And guess what? Going through these things makes you a stronger person. And it gives you the opportunity to be a support for someone in the future who’s going to go through the same thing.

I’m not saying you should be happy you’ve gone through hardship. I’m not saying you should be glad to have been hurt or oppressed.

What I am saying is that you’re going to survive. You’re going to reach a day where the sun seems a little brighter and you move a little freer. There will be a day when you’ll hear someone mention what they’re going through, and you’ll be able to say, “Hey, I was there once upon a time. And this is how I made it through it.”

Keep your chin up. You’re not alone. You’re not the only one. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you’ll make it. Don’t let the world drown you.

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