I love this week’s contest so much because it gives us the courage to share stories we once thought we would never be able to tell.
This years have been a lot for me. I have fought battles financially, emotionally, mentally, and in many other ways.
I can vividly remember how I was robbed in my early this year. My hard-earned money and sweat was taken away in the twinkle of an eye. I was devastated because that shop was my source of livelihood. It was where I got the money to survive and meet my daily needs.
The incident pushed me into depression. I developed high blood pressure, and till today, I am still dealing with the trauma. I had to battle with my health alone, constantly going for check-ups to monitor my blood pressure and taking medications prescribed by my doctor.
As if that wasn't enough, in the middle of everything I was going through, my partner ended our relationship of several years. The most painful part was that just when I needed him the most, he walked away. And what hurt even more was that he didn't just break up with me; he got married that same week.
I couldn't eat. I cried for days, weeks, and even months. I was emotionally broken, financially struggling, and battling health challenges, all at the same time. It felt like life had dealt me more than I could handle.
But one day, I woke up and told myself something: Nobody is coming to save me. Even if I cry for years, I still have to find the strength to stand again.
That was the day I decided to pick up my broken pieces and start putting them back together myself.
I started something small. It was nothing compared to what I had before, but I refused to let its size discourage me. I reminded myself that starting small was better than giving up completely.
I also made a conscious decision to let go of my feelings for my ex. I realized that life doesn't end because one person walks away. There are still good men out there, and I don't have to lose myself or give up on life because someone I loved has chosen another path. After all, he had moved on and married the woman he loved. I had to allow myself to move on too.
Through all these experiences, I have learned some important lessons.
Financially: Never invest everything you have in one business. Diversification is important, and no matter how much money I make, I must learn to save something for emergencies. Tomorrow is unpredictable.
Emotionally and in relationships: Anything can happen at any time. People change, and being with someone for many years does not guarantee that you will end up together. People can leave, even when you least expect it. I have learned not to lose myself while loving someone else.
Mentally and physically: My health and peace of mind matter. I now make a conscious effort to take good care of my mental health, listen to my body, and prioritize my well-being.
Today, I may not have everything I once had, and I am still healing from some of the things I have experienced, but I am grateful that I didn't give up on myself.
I am rebuilding, learning, growing, and becoming stronger every day.
My greatest lesson is this: Life can break you, people can disappoint you, and circumstances can take away what you have worked so hard for, but you must never allow those experiences to take away your will to live, grow, and start again.
I may have lost some things, but I haven't lost myself. And that, to me, is a victory worth celebrating. Thanks for reading.