Each year, around World Mental Health Day, I write down a list of things that keep me going. Those things are reasons for NOT hurting myself. When I started this after 2018, it was hard to make a list of 3 things. But that’s ok! Each year my list got a bit longer, a bit more meaningful. Yet, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. I’m grateful for many things but making this list took some time.
This World Mental Health Day, I want to share my “13 Reasons Why Not” list. Note: the list is not in any particular order – each point is important!
13 Reasons Why NOT
- My awesome family that supports and cares 👨👩👧👦
- Having a person in my life I love and care about 💖
- Job I enjoy! 💻
- Living in a place I like 🏙️
- Buying a house in the future 🏠
- Countries I want to visit ✈️
- Living up to what I have promised my grandfather 👴
- Working towards and achieving career goals 🔝
- Trying horse riding for the first time after so many years 🐎
- Personal development (health, fitness, skills) 🪴
- Having a family one day 👨👩👧👦
- Spending my birthday in a new country 🌏
- Learning to cook 🍽️
No one knows what you are going through on daily basis. Even after reaching out, it can feel like you are alone. Please talk to someone. People care, even when you might have lost hope.