If Today Was Your Last Day

A huge part of living is the constant need to move forward, to struggle and grow, to laugh and cry. Sometimes, we get so bogged down in day-to-day living that we forget to look at the big picture.

In the past few years, I've had several people around me pass on. Either because of illness, a totally unexpected injury or even through suicide.

Owning to our current limitations, we can only do so much for illness and injuries. However, there is a lot we can do about suicide and the feelings of utter despair, hopelessness and insignificance that lead to it.

The biggest weapon in our anti-suicide arsenal has definitely got to be taking the time to acknowledge our weaknesses and failures but, at the same time, reminding ourselves of our worth. Granted, medication and therapy are great tools but unless we internalize and accept our own worth, they will fail.

As someone who was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I know just how debilitating they can be. I tried committing suicide twice. I survived because of the efforts of my mother, the medical system and my body's own unconscious effort.

Eight years ago, I was blessed with something that changed everything for me. I became pregnant with my son. In my darkest moments, thinking of him is what keeps me on this plane. The love I have for him is greater than the loathing I sometimes have for myself.

Suicide is a difficult thing to predict. The person you think is the least likely to do it might be the one who does. When that happens, it is a shock and those who knew him/her are left to wonder why.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are several free resources available to you. For example:

• Much has been made about having "an attitude of gratitude" lately. It sounds hokey but honestly helps balance our good-bad thought processes and feelings.

• Listening to certain songs or watching feel-good movies can also alter your state of mind. Song's like "If Today Was Your Last Day" and t.v. shows like "America's Funniest Videos" have become my go-to choice for regaining my center, my internal peace. Who cares what others think? It's your life on the line, not theirs.

• Make a list of all of your skills, your accomplishments, and the times you felt genuinely loved. Don't be shy on this one. Even little things count! If it made an impression on you, write it down. (Something I gleaned from a career coaching call with Pina De Rosa but can be applied to many other situations as well.)

• Don't be ashamed to seek out a trusted clergy member, faculty member or to contact one of the many suicide prevention hotlines available.

• Last, but certainly not least, pray! Regardless of religion or creed, nothing beats a heartfelt prayer. There are also many places to submit prayer requests online or over the phone.

My prayers go out to my lost loved ones and friends today but they also go out to everyone who is struggling and feeling lost, alone and without value.

You really aren't alone and definitely have much more value than you may be giving yourself credit for. Reach out.

Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Penny

P.S. In case you haven't heard "If Today Was Your Last Day" yet or would like to listen to it again, just press the play button below or click here to listen on Lala if the player isn't displaying correctly below. You can find the lyrics at LyricWiki.

If Today Was Your Last Day - N...