The current state of the world can seem bleak. We are collectively facing a mental health crisis that affects people of all ages, genders, nationalities, and races. In America alone, 9.9 million people suffer from mental health issues. In 2020, depression was the leading cause of death and disability.

These statistics are staggering. Although there are many organizations and mental health advocates working to reverse the problem, the statistics continue to grow year after year in what people are calling a mental health crisis society.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have the power to change these statistics. Through connection, empathy, and self-awareness, we can begin to heal these wounds that have lasted generations.

We all experience moments of darkness several times throughout our lives. The goal isn’t to eliminate the darkness, but rather to build a shield of impenetrable light to protect you when darkness presents itself.

Through a mastery of Soul, Energy, Love, and Fulfillment (S.E.L.F.), we can heal ourselves and eventually help others heal to move out of the darkness, too. It starts with self-talk. If we struggle to love ourselves, how can we ever love another person? We have to start with self-love and acceptance.

Change your thinking from…..

My legs are too big……to……. My body is strong and capable
I have nothing worth saying………to…….My voice is worthy of being heard
No one wants to be around me …to….I am valuable, unique, and others want to be around me
I could never do that…….to…….I am capable of achieving my goals
This is going to be too hard…….to……I wonder what I will learn from this experience

Just as one small negative thought can snowball into a major, overpowering belief that something is wrong or not good enough, a small positive effect can do the same, blossoming into more positivity and creating happiness, peace, and confidence.

Sometimes all it takes to turn darkness into light is some perspective. Understanding that you are not wrong or bad for feeling negativity, sadness, loneliness. None of these emotions are wrong or bad, and neither are you! They simply are. And even if you master S.E.L.F. and live a positive-focused life, you will still feel these things from time to time. Remember, It’s ok not to be ok.

But if your life has become overwhelmed by these negative feelings, it might be time to ask for a helping hand. Everyone can struggle to think positively and to lead a positive life. It is just like a muscle – you need to continually work it out through practice, training, and endurance so it can grow. Then, one day, the weight that used to feel heavy now seems light.

Another place you can start is self-discovery. No one is just one thing or one type of way. We are all dynamic, growing, evolving humans that have many unique personality traits. Sometimes we need to reset and think about what motivates us, what brings us joy, what triggers us, what we thrive at, etc. Accept yourself for who you are and spend time marinating in that reality. It is ok to be you, flaws, talents, and all.

An example:

Imagine a glass of water. This glass represents yourself – a vessel that holds everything you are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually able to give others.
If the glass is continually empty or low, you do not have much to give (time, energy, love) to those around you.

How do you refill the glass?

Through self-love and self-acceptance. You need to focus on yourself in order to give to those around you. If you can focus on your own mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing, not only will your glass fill up, but it can begin to overflow, and the people around you can benefit organically from that overflow.

The lesson is to fill up before you pour out. Focus on yourself so that you can eventually give that gift to those around you.

Positive Presence is ‘the peaceful state of existence’ and is that space between filling yourself up and organically overflowing into those around you without worry or stress.

We all know that life isn’t easy but when you make a conscious decision to step in the light and focus on self, darkness can’t follow. But, it’s important to understand that darkness can still present itself showing up like a shadow in your bright light. Acknowledge it, be grateful for its presence because without it one cannot truly have a relationship with light.

Through perspective, self-discovery, and self-love, we can heal our emotional wounds that can silently bog us down through that darkness. Then, we can help others heal their wounds as well, having a lasting positive impact on ourselves AND the world around us creating a generational shift in the right direction.