Just soak that quote in for a minute. Wherever your there is, look how far you’ve climbed to arrive. There is now; it is not a permanent place. It does not mean it is where you will always be, and it is not a measure of your fullest potential; it just means where you find yourself in the present.

Who does not love the story of a child prodigy, or a natural athlete, or others that are innately advantaged. However, if only those stories are admired then that means a lot of people are overlooked and underestimated. Only you know intimately all the climbing you have done, and all that was involved in your climb to bring you to the present. That is very much worth sharing and celebrating!

Adam Grant wrote a book called Hidden Potential. He talks about how it is not so much about the amount of intelligence a person has, but more about developing character. Also, how progress depends more on how well one learns than how hard one works. On a larger scale, he explores how we can “build character skills and motivational structures to not only realize our own potential, but also how to design systems that create opportunities for those who have been underrated.”

Over the years it has taken a lot of climbing when it comes to the area of mental health-both individually and collectively. Unfortunately, many people going through mental health issues have been underserved and underestimated; not to mention the vast ripple effect it has on so many others. We have not reached our fullest potential yet. However, we have made headway on creating new opportunities: structures and programs have been put in place, there is more availability and access to resources, and the medicine of greater understanding and compassion has spread hope- that is our current “there.” Let us individually and collectively pause and deeply celebrate just how far we have climbed to get to this present moment!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.