Struggling! You know who you are. Read this!

The brain processes loss—whether it is financial loss, the loss of a loved one, the loss of abilities, or the life you once knew—as an intense emotional event. Each type of loss triggers grief, frustration, and even a sense of helplessness. The overwhelming nature of these losses can push your mental health to the brink, leading to feelings of destruction, weakness, and in some cases, thoughts of self-harm.

So, how did I manage to not fall completely into despair?

I know what it is like to feel like the world is collapsing around you. There are days when the fear of tomorrow or even the exhaustion of today feels like too much. When you are fighting for your health or dealing with financial burdens, it can feel impossible to catch a break. The constant pressure—how will I survive? How will I pay the bills? Will I ever be myself again?

If you are going through your own storm right now, let me tell you this: you are not alone.

Finding Hope in Small Moments

When I was first diagnosed, I did not know how to process it. How do you begin to confront something so massive? I started by looking for hope in the smallest of things. For me, it came in the form of Legos—yes, those little colorful blocks. Putting them together helped me rebuild, not just in a literal sense, but also mentally. They helped retrain my brain, sharpen my memory, and give me a sense of control.

And while Legos might not be your thing, I urge you to find something small that brings you joy, no matter how trivial it may seem. It could be a favorite hobby, a simple walk, or even brewing your favorite tea (I am a fan of loose-leaf tea myself). These little moments, they matter. They add up. They are a way of saying, "I am still here."

The Power of Purpose

One of the most powerful things you can do, especially when life feels overwhelming, is to find purpose in something bigger than your struggles. I write a blog about my cancer journey—not just as a form of therapy but as a way to connect with others who might be going through something similar. Sharing my fears, my anxieties, and even the moments of peace has been healing. In giving my pain a voice, I have found strength, and more importantly, I have found that my story can help others.

If you are struggling financially or with an illness, you may feel like your worth has diminished. But I promise you, there is power in your story. There is power in sharing your journey, in showing others that it is possible to endure, even when things feel impossible. Use your voice, your talents—whatever they may be—to make a mark on this world. You have so much to offer, even in your darkest moments.

Letting Go of Perfection

There is an idea we often hold onto that life must look a certain way for it to be meaningful or worthwhile. That success is defined by money, health, or external achievements. But I have learned that meaning comes from resilience, from showing up even when you are terrified, from fighting back even when you feel broken.

I do not know what tomorrow holds. I do not know how long I will be able to fight this disease. But I do know that I will keep going, and I will keep sharing my journey in the hopes that it helps someone else realize their own strength.

If you are reading this (and I know you are) and you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or defeated—know this: You are stronger than you think. I am not saying that the road ahead will be easy, but I am saying that you do not have to walk it alone. There is hope in the small moments, in the connections we make, and in the strength, we find within ourselves. Even when life feels impossible, there is always light to be found.

You may be facing illness, you may be battling financial strain, but you are still here. And that is something profound. Keep going, keep pushing, keep finding the little joys that make each day worth living. Your story is not over yet—it is still being written, and the world needs to hear it.

Let us keep fighting, together.