I’ll change when… I’ll start exercising when… I’ll call that therapist when… I’ll stop drinking when… What’s stopping you from changing your life? Is it fear, shame, guilt?

Are we waiting on some big neon sign that shows us the safest, easiest route toward success and recovery? I’ll be the first (or hundredth) to tell you, there isn’t such a sign. It’s just a gut feeling that says to go. Change is scary and we will stumble along the way. I’ve avoided change because of worry of what could go wrong, instead of remembering what could go right.

Putting a “when” on the starting line is gambling the “when” will even happen. Your gut tells you when to try, when to start. Waiting for the “when” is waiting for something that could never happen. Do an inventory of what’s stopping you from beginning the next step of your journey and find how to step over those things to become the best you.

Kristen Ellis

Kristen has worked in the mental health field since 2013, with a focus on crisis work, substance use services, and bringing a voice to lived experience. Her ambition is to change the way mental health care and recovery is seen and achieved, so to redefine what it means to defeat adversity.