This tattoo means more to me that I can even put into words. It's one of the last pieces to complete my sleeve. As many of you know, this is Kedo. The first dog Chad and I got together. He was our baby and having to put him down at 15 years old during Covid in our home was the one of hardest things we've ever had to do. The heartbreak is unbearable as many of us have experienced. They are our family. He lived an adventurous happy long life. With everything our family went through in 2020 to end with having to put him down was the final straw for me. There is only so much someone can take until they need help to get themselves back on track. No matter how heartbreaking, frustrating, or complicated a situation can be there is always a reason for why things happen. You may not realize it at that exact moment, but God really does have a plan for all of us. I'm not sure about you, but my plan wasn't working out too well for me. My life was becoming unmanageable along with depression and anxiety taking over daily. I didn't know how to cope with it and unfortunately, I turned to alcohol.
As for so many of us, 2020 will be known as one of the hardest years of our lives. The repercussions could be even worse for some of us. If you are struggling please know you're not alone and there is hope. When the cobwebs clear you will see the life you were meant to live. It's not going to be easy, but please know it will be well worth it. I'm in my 18 month of sobriety and could not be more humble, grateful and thankful for my life. We have one life on this planet and you deserve to be living it!
I'm working throughout the Community and see everyone who is struggling. It is so incredibly heartbreaking to witness and I want to help in any way I can. I know how it feels to be where some of you may be at this very moment. It's a terrible feeling. I never want to feel like that ever again. Towards the end I almost gave up, I had taken myself to a very dark place that I never thought would happen. If I would have known that talking about what I was going through would have put me where I am today I would have done it much sooner.
We all have something that's called the "You're Already Always Listening" voice that pops in our heads. Meaning, that you have this idea of what someone may be thinking or how they will react, but in most cases it's you assuming you know their thoughts. The way to avoid the what if's, the wonder, the arguments, the hesitations, is to talk it out. Stop trying to control the way people are. You can only control your actions. The people who really care for you and want what is best for you would want you to address it. In the old days everything was kept quiet. There was a stigma to going to therapy or being on medication. Let's be honest we all know how that worked out...it didn't!!! It's 2023 and it's okay not to be okay. You're better off owning it, discussing it and working through it together. Change takes action, Like they say, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. Your way isn't working and that's okay. That's why there are professionals to help you. I decided to let go and listen. God along with the facility I attended saved my life. It's possible for you too! You just gotta want it! I can't thank my family, daughters and friends enough for helping me become the person I am today. I wouldn't have been able to do it without God and all of your support. I can honestly look at myself in the mirror and proudly say I broke the cycle. I'm comfortable in my skin and that's something to be proud of. That dog Kedo saved my life in more ways than he'll ever know. Until we meet again "Boss" Thank you for being the coolest dog. #MentalHealth#SoberLiving#MentalHealthAwareness#StrongerTogether #KerryParadisPhotography
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