Throughout life, I was often told that I need to do certain things. Other times, I was told not to do certain things because that was what was expected of me. I have had to learn that I need to pinpoint my own desires. I must find what I want to do with my life. Additionally, I should discover my own ways to pass the time that work best for me. I also have to know that there is no wrong way. This holds true. It remains valid if I avoid activities that harm me. It also applies if I avoid actions that have consequences for others.

I learned the hard way that I must take care of my mental health first. It is necessary and crucial. I know not to repeat actions that were destructive to myself and others. Doing so serves no purpose in the end. At first, I thought it served a purpose. Then, I realized that if I didn’t do what was needed, things would worsen. It would eventually become more miserable. If someone doesn’t do what they need to do, they think they don’t need things. They realize this only when it becomes too late. I had to finally recognize how important it is to focus on my mental health. I must do this daily. This must happen no matter what.

Optimal mental health allows me to be more productive. It helps me be my best. Earlier, when I wasn’t taking care of my mental health, I often led myself to believe otherwise. The disorder was doing its dirty work. I didn’t see it until others approached me in certain ways. The things they said helped me realize I need to be consistent in caring for my mental health. They made me see the value it brings. I believed that caring for my mental health would prevent me from doing things I liked and wanted to do. I was wrong. I thought living a normal life and pursuing my desires were mutually exclusive. I did not realize that reality was what I was unwilling to see. If I had focused on what I wanted to achieve, I have made it a reality. It just needed to be done the right way.

I had to accept things for what they were. I needed to stop believing that my obligations prevented me from achieving what I considered impossible. I had to focus my brain to get the task done. Admitting the hard parts was challenging, but it didn’t make me any different. Even though I long believed things I wanted, I realized some things are essential. Getting a full night’s sleep is a must and makes me feel better. This wasn’t happening when I neglected self-care.

I had to stop living in fear. I needed to do what was necessary to get the sleep I needed. I should not fear missing out on what I needed to do in life. By being stable, things would work out for the right reasons. Things would be as they needed to be. I had to make sure that things were set up in a way that allowed them to happen without interference. I knew that if I wanted it to happen, it had the power to work if I wanted it to.