Keep Up The Good Work

Hi,


It's been awhile since we've been in touch. You have a lot of free time now that you're on break, so I thought it would be a nice opportunity to catch up. You remember the last time I heard from you? In case you don't, check it out here. 


When you were at your grandmother's house the other day, you read a lot of her Christmas letters. Many of her friends sent out a "year in review" of 2011. 


What does your year look like in review? It's something that's not the easiest thing to digest if you try and swallow all of it at once. I acknowledge that.


Depression.
Depression.
Depression.


You were duped into thinking that Lexapro was the "fix-all" drug and that it had cured everything magically over Christmas break.


I think last Christmas break you were living in a fantasy, thinking about what you had just endured and then how things were going to be different in the new year.


You had the year all mapped out. Relationships would be stronger. People would be more sympathetic. You would be less fragile. You would be more confident. You would be stronger.


But yet, only 9 days into the new year, as you headed off to school, something like this happened:

Okay, so you didn't get hit with a soccer ball. But life- reality- came and smacked you. Something you weren't really prepared for.

Reality was, relationships failed, your medication (the first one you tried), really didn't help anything, people were matter of factly less sympathetic, you were even more fragile, less confident, and in over your head.


Depression.
Depression.
Depression.


It got the best of you. You were a fighter and held on, but eventually it became stronger than you.


And as that soccer ball of reality hit you in the face, you fell face down.


Funny how a lack of chemicals can cause so much heartache, panic, and pain in a person's life.


I never would have guessed it would so severely affect my ability to concentrate. My ability to focus. My ability to be ME. But it did.


But let's move beyond that. Save the other months for another time. Look at where you are and don't make the same mistakes you did.


You're on a steady medication. You have another one you are getting ready to begin.


Don't for a minute think you ever failed. None of what happened was ever YOUR fault. Don't beat yourself up for mistakes you may think you have made.


You were learning. Learning to live. Learning to live WITH depression.


It was hard, but you did it.


Remember- you are still very fragile. But you have shown yourself- and the world- that you can do anything.


You have an unyielding hope and trust in God that many don't. Now go, and use it to build others up.


Don't compare yourself to others because that will never lead you to contentment.


Be who you are. Cherish those who love you. If you continue to beam with optimism, joy, hope, faith, and love, people will be drawn to you. 


I'm sorry this has been so random and scattered. I just wanted to remind you of some things.


Oh, and I also wanted to remind you that you must first love yourself if you expect others to love you. Don't beat yourself up over all that has happened to you this past year. You've done great. You've done the best anyone could ever ask for. Keep your head held high. Use the strength you garnered over the last year to make 2012 your best year yet.


I'm not going to promise that a soccer ball isn't going to come hit you in the face again. I can't predict that. It very well could.

But I know how much more capable you are to keep your head held high and to not get so discouraged. Use what has happened to you as an advantage- not as a crutch. Whether you realize it or not, it has been and will continue to be a blessing in your life. In the weeks, months, and years to come.


You were born to make a difference. You were born as a child of God with a purpose to fulfill.


Continue to live for Him. Continue to do His work and spread His love. Don't give up. 


Oh, and try not to spend so much time on Facebook this year. You do use it to waste a lot of time. Time you could be spending with God.


Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. You needed a reminder again. Keep going strong.


In the grip of His grace,


Me