Working in behavioral health I connect with people that are challenged with substance use and mental health challenges. Without fail I hear, “I’ve ruined my life” or “My life is ruined” every single day. It’s the most heartbreaking existence, I know because I’ve been there. I’ve said my life is ruined, my life is over, there is no point. I know the deep pit these words come from inside a person but I also know that it is possible to climb out. I have experienced the resilience in my own life story and I get to live my life sharing that hope, resilience and future with others. Most don’t believe me. It’s evident on their faces as I tell my story that they think i’m spinning a web but still I plant the seed. Maybe they can’t see the resilient life they have and that they can’t ruin it… not even if they tried. Life goes on, no matter what. That is just what life is all about… overcoming, resilience and hope.

Don’t let yourself forget the power life holds to continue, even in the face of challenges, nightmares and pain. It’s not us that continue to live, it’s life that continues to hold us up and move us forward.

Life is resilient. And so are you.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.