Don’t give in to the darkness ... write your own script
Dark topics can weigh us down and consume us, but we don’t have to let that happen
Have you ever taken the time to invest in preserving your memories? And before even thinking this far ahead, are you aware of your existence enough to feel presence in the moments of your life? What else do we have amongst our living lives but being able to look back on the amazing memories we create for ourselves by putting ourselves out there, traveling, trying new things, and meeting new people.
Maybe it’s overrated, but journaling - even just taking pointform notes - can be the ticket to allowing yourself to remember some of the happiest times in your life, overall making you a happier person. I know it can be tedious and time-consuming, but think about what you’re doing it for in the long run. This is a method of self-care entirely on its own.
This week I debated whether I wanted to talk about politics (specifically the recent election) and mental health (the most recent, tragic suicides within the last few weeks), but I decided against it because I know everyone has already heard enough of it through social media, and I wanted to provide something more optimistic. Not only this, but I honestly feel too depressed myself to write about such dark topics. Yes, politics are a dark topic. Did you see the outcome? So why do I want to talk about making memories and feeling grateful for newness and adventure? Right now, I want to talk about these things to try and make myself feel better.
As I have advertised on my personal social media platforms, I am once again enduring medical struggles that seem to occupy my life as a passenger. I am currently preparing to go under the knife once again to fix the congenital nystagmus that resides in my only eye (the left), and there is a 20 to 25 per cent chance I could go blind. It’s slim, but so was the four per cent chance I had of getting my second cancer, Osteosarcoma.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking it’s no better than discussing the tragedy of recent politics; I guess the difference with my sharing is that I am hoping to make a difference for the better by urging gratitude. You cannot take anything for granted. Take it from a young person whose lost body parts no one should ever have to, lives in chronic pain and edema, and mental health battles too harsh for someone her age. Among other things. Going in for this surgery next week is nervewracking because I keep picturing waking up and seeing nothing. I can live a lot of ways, but I don’t know if my soul could handle not being able to see this beautiful earth, and all its wonderfully diverse people after all it’s been through.
So what does this all have to do with preserving your memories, and knowing in the moment you’re living that you’re in the middle of creating a great one? Take it all in, with whatever five senses you have available to you. Don’t underestimate the power of kinetics, and the way things feel. Touching something physically, I believe, sends a direct signal to your heart to stay connected and grounded to your own existence.
Don’t forget to breathe. It’s good to be aware of your breath, even if your mind is so dark that sometimes this is a scary thing to stop and acknowledge. Your breaths, and the movement of your chest rising and falling, should feel mediative and safe, not threatening. When you’re out exploring newness, being adventurous and spontaneous, feel happy; feel alive.
Try your hardest not to let anything seep into your mind to destroy your bliss. Live your most authentic self, and be brave despite odds not being in your favour. If we all live this way, we have a shot at conquering the sh*tty politics, and mental health overpowerment.
Be kind.
Email Omemee writer Tessa Smith at tessasmith329@gmail.com.