In a world where society expects us to do so much in order to be considered qualifiable with the rest of society, there has to be a part of me that starts to acknowledge that I have limits to what I can do and I must be willing to acknowledge them for what they are and not only care for myself in the way that I have to but also be able to move forward in life with what has been intended for me.

As human beings, society predicts so much of us in life. Once we finish our public-school journey, they expect us to get a job or find ways to further our education along with having social expectations like having a relationship with someone else and then having an independent life. Unfortunately for many that is not possible and for some, including myself, having the expectation of some of those things is held over our head as we are not productive members of society. However, there is a reality that some things just are not in the cards for me.

While I have done many things such as advance my education twice, I work part time and have been independent for six years now. That was all I feel that I could do in life, at least for the present moment. There are also many other small expectations in life that society wants us to be fulfilling individuals or be considered less than. While to other necessary factors to protect my personal well-being, those things are not to happen and while it can be frustrating to accept certain things that the world expects of us, there are just things that it is perfectly acceptable and are covered under coming to terms with who I am compared to when I was unwell.

However, there can always be pressure to do the things that were once done when I was unwell, but it also takes understanding that there are now limits to what I can do and throughout everything, it is most important to focus on what is necessary for me to help others and be able to manage the complexity of the situation that is presently faced instead of always be worried if I can do this or that just because others expect or it is what others do to make them feel good. Part of accepting who I am is putting a close to what was, and, in all honesty, I am not required to share everything about my life with those who want to know. There are parts of life that are not for the knowledge of the entire world.

As things start to become more settled from being adherent to my medication regimen, it is apparent that the behaviors and things of the past are going to diminish and there is going to be more of a reality of what was happening before I went off course with not adhering to my medication. As tempting as it may be to give in and not take my medication that I had a strained relationship with, it is important to remember all the battles that I faced in the years of living on my own and being the responsible adult is following all necessary steps of medication adherence to continue the continuum of my personal well-being.

 As frustrating as it can be to not be able to do the things that you did when you were unwell as the side effects of my medication take effect. It is important to remember that it is more important to have the quality of life that I need to have in the present moment rather than the small things that really do not matter or make me less than in the eyes of others. None of what society expects us to be is not as important as the ability to function and do what is required of me, especially in the times that I am presently experiencing.

It is acknowledging that there are parts that I experienced when I was unwell that are no longer going to be a part of my life and as hard as it can be to accept them, there are people who want me to be well and accept me for who I am regardless of what the world dictates of me to be and do. I am enough. I am loved and I matter.