Wherever You Stand, Begin
Mental well-being is a process– a journey, a practice. Recall the first time you learned to ride a bike or watched your child or grandchild embark on this experience. Learning to ride a bike begins with the basic skills. Beginning with the basics, one may use training wheels or a balance bike to help grasp the skill. At first the rider is wobbly, unbalanced, and the training wheels are rattling loudly as they struggle to get started. Slowly but surely with dedication, commitment, and grit the rider is able to transition to two wheels, pedaling and balancing as they ride along the path. Eventually the rider is able to climb hills, this is hard at first as evidenced by their burning quads and increased heart rate; the rider experiences fatigue and tension but if they keep going the hills become easier and the ride becomes less tiring. The practice is not always linear. Some rides will be easier than others but if one keeps at it, the practice is strengthening and enjoyable.
Being well begins much like learning to ride a bike. Getting help is the first step. Eventually you build awareness and strength as you continue the journey. Learning to face life’s challenges begins with acquiring new skills to navigate the sometimes bumpy, rocky, steep road of life.
Wherever you find yourself, take the next step to become stronger. Maybe that’s reading a book, listening to a podcast, or making an appointment with a therapist. Check out the resources below as you consider your next step.