Paying off…

I ended up working a pretty quiet day at the store today.

Lynn was out of commission with a migraine, and seeing as I had a light day I offered to cover.

Despite the store being quiet, I was not unproductive. I ended up getting a couple of articles written, and I have a couple more yet to do now that I have the information.

After I got finished up with the writing, I switched over to my Photoshop course and started practising some of the skills we’ve been working on. It took me a couple of hours, but I was able to create the above shield from scratch. It’s based on Captain America’s shield from Marvel, and was similar to the one the instructor created in our last class. I have to see that overall I am pleased with how it turned out.

I’m loving the skills I’m developing doing these courses. My writing is improving. My Photoshop skills are improving. I’m definitely learning some of the finer points of photography. The last few months have been challenging, and I have been pushing myself hard, however things are starting to pay off.

Honestly, if someone told me three years ago that I will have come as far as I have, I would have cried bullshit. I was low. I was struggling, and I couldn’t see past the struggle. I had no confidence, and I didn’t believe in myself. I thought I would always be sick.

The last three years haven’t been a cakewalk, but they have shown me just what I am capable of. I’m rebuilding my lost confidence and self-esteem. I’m believing in myself again. I’m feeling like I have a life again.

I know that I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of others. Our church family has been amazing. Dr. M at the centre wasn’t willing to give up on me when I was ready to give up on myself. Lynn has been a trooper with everything I have put her through.

In short, I’m living proof that with the right guidance and support, mental health recovery is possible. Not everyday is easy, and the medication induced fatigue sucks, but I am still managing to create the life I want to live, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Kevin