Itz Holistically Wholesome

Happy Tuesday, beloved. It is such a blessing to be among the living and share my thoughts on this platform with you. Itz Holistically Wholesome means so much to me, and I appreciate you. This post is quite random, but a recent video on Whatsapp of a girl who took her own life compelled me to write this post. I hope that if someone is contemplating suicide, they will see that it is not the solution and for the rest of us to become more mindful of others around us, many of whom may be suffering in silence. 

Life is not always easy, and sometimes we are confronted with challenges that seem way too difficult for us to bear. During these moments, when we are at our weakest, our minds sometimes tell us to give up and that no one cares about our sufferings. Our plight at the time seemed most grievous and insurmountable. It is like having an enemy giant standing firmly in our way, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot seem to overcome it. Moment by moment, we continue to be kicked, ridiculed and pressed down until our strength begins to fade. In these instances of confusion, depression, desperation, and loneliness, we struggle to make it through each day, most time hanging by a thread. But, It does not matter how we manage to hold on until we have regained enough strength to make it through. The important thing is that we made it, and we are better and stronger. Once the storm has passed, and we take a minute to look back, that giant seems ridiculously small and conquerable. And to think, we almost gave up and ended it all.

So if you are at your lowest point currently and feel like giving up, I want to remind you that:

1. You are Not Alone – It is so easy to feel alone in difficult times. I certainly have on felt that way on numerous occasions. The reality, though, is that you are not alone ever. The bible states, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). God is always there even when you cannot feel him or seem dark. He will never leave or forsake. Also, you may be thinking, why me? Why is my life so difficult? But there is always someone else going through something, and we do not realize it because they do such an excellent job of hiding it. Listen, there comes a time when you have to recognize that your circumstance is too extraordinary for you to handle alone and seek help. We have one chance at life on this planet, and we must aim to preserve it for as long as we can and as long as the good Lord allow. We cannot afford to let pride, the fear of being viewed as a failure, or gossip prevent us from reaching out for help. As I often say, there is no shame in the game when it comes to my life. Do not suffer in silence, and please tell someone!
2. You are Loved – Do not allow your mind to think for a second that no one cares. And if you somehow managed to feel that way, listen to me; IT IS A LIE!!!! I know that not everyone believes in Christ, but I want you to know that our minds will play tricks on us in our moments of despair. The enemy of our soul wants us to think that no one loves or cares for us. However, our Creator God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, loves us with an everlasting love. No matter what you do, that will never change. You are unique and valuable to Him; He made you. Also, your family and friends love you more than you know. Yes, you may have your differences, but their love for you remains the same, so do not be afraid to lean on them. I have also heard too many victims express that no one loves or cares for them; hence, killing themselves is best. They even think that no one will cry or miss them when they are gone. LIES AGAIN!!! Often, we become withdrawn and isolate ourselves from others when facing challenges. Then our mind is so confused that we think others have forsaken us. Other times, we feel hurt when that one person we want so much to love and care for us does not love us, and so we resort to speaking general terms that “nobody loves me.” Of course, not everyone will love you, and that is alright. However, it is crucial that you love yourself and know that the right persons to love and care for you will love you beyond measure no matter what and would not want to live without you because you ended your life prematurely. Beloved, your family and friends will be left hurt and broken without you. 
3. You are strong enough to Overcome – Along this exciting journey called life, troubles will come, but most importantly, they do not always last. We can overcome every situation in our lives, even though sometimes, it may take longer than we would like. Success will come if we can hold on, keep our heads above water, and seek the support of others. The bible tells us, “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthian 10:13). This scripture reassures us that we can get through tough times and that there is always a way, even when it does not seem clear. If we could learn to take things one day at a time, we would find the strength to make it through or cope in whatever circumstance. Let us try to view trials, hardship, and sickness as our opportunity to see what we are made of. We all have a strong and determined warrior inside who can conquer any giant or tear down any roadblock that threatens our very happiness and existence. We can, and we must prevail.

I must reiterate that you are not alone; you are loved, and others care about you. You are strong enough to overcome, so keep fighting because your life is meaningful, and you have a purpose. Get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number and talking to a trusted family member or friend. Sometimes, bearing your guts to a stranger on the street also helps. Suicide is not the answer.

For the rest of us, it is necessary to:

1. Observe with careful eyes those around us. So often, there are signs, but we fail to see them.

2. Take the time to love and appreciate others and let them know how much you care and will always be there for them. 

3. Be especially mindful of how you treat others. Not all of us are equally strong mentally. Many are fragile and depends on the kindness and support of others to get by. 

4. Watch your words because that one negative comment may be the breaking point for others. Be kind and supportive.

5. Always check to see how your loved ones are doing. If someone you know suddenly begins to look depressed and isolate themselves from others, visit them. Reassure them that they have a friend in you or advise them to get help. 

Let us be our brothers and sister keepers.

-Please feel free to leave your feedback; God bless.