I often wish I had captured more moments on film when my Father was still alive.
We shared many joyful times filled with laughter and love, and I wish I could relive them.
It has been more than seven years since he departed from this world, a time when photographs held a greater significance.
It wasn’t until the last two years that I began using my phone to record memories and produce films.
I am constantly amazed by my hidden talents, ranging from writing and painting to mini filmmaking.
I am leveraging my abilities to construct memories that will forever be a part of me.
Whenever I put together a birthday video for someone, showcasing their happy moments with a lovely melody in the background, they never fail to express that it’s the most cherished gift they’ve ever received.
Sometimes, we forget the truly special moments we once shared.
However, it is essential to remember that not everyone had a positive experience when discussing them. What brought joy to you may have caused suffering for someone else.
I can honestly admit that the saddest moments from my past overshadow the happy ones.
My first memories of sadness were not by my choosing but rather a result of the circumstances I had no control over.
As I grew older, I realised that my unhappiness stemmed from my failure to address the deep-seated pain from my past.
Over the past few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to embrace happiness. I recognised that I would lose all sense of purpose if I persisted in my pessimistic outlook.
I finally grasped the meaning behind the saying, “Life is what you make it.”
As a child, you are at the mercy of others, but as an adult, you can reclaim that power for yourself.
At times, our actions and treatment of others can ultimately be our undoing as we live with regret leading to our downfall.
We are the only ones responsible for our actions. Only by recognising and dealing with the contributions you made to unhappiness can you truly find peace within.
I promised to keep spreading joy by giving people the opportunity to revisit their cherished memories through the videos I created.
The key to living my life entirely is embracing the present moment, as it allows me to stay grounded and engaged in the here and now.
By incorporating this mindfulness practice into my daily routine, I can navigate any challenges that come my way by acknowledging and processing all my emotions.
If I don’t take the time to check in with myself, each day can begin and end on a negative note.
My day is a rollercoaster of emotions, but having a routine helps me easily navigate the ups and downs.
I may be feeling fine now, but if I let my thoughts take control, everything could shift in just an hour.
I confront my thoughts head-on, examining them closely and seeking to understand their motivations. I do not shy away from introspection; instead, I actively engage with my inner workings to gain insight and clarity.
I often struggle to comprehend my thoughts and emotions, but I make a conscious effort to avoid fixating on the negative aspects of my inner turmoil.
As I woke up this morning, my mind immediately registered the gloomy weather outside, causing me to feel apprehensive about stepping out of the house.
I chose to linger in bed for an additional hour, avoiding the thought of braving the unpleasant weather outside.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I learned that today’s plans had been cancelled, instantly easing my concerns.
If I were to catalogue every moment of my day meticulously, you would be astounded by the instability of my mind.
It’s 2025, and my goal is to prioritise my health and happiness by completing one joyous daily task.
I’ve laid the foundation for a sturdy brick wall of thoughts and insights I’m excited to share on my weekday platforms.
Facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge that is achievable will give me a sense of accomplishment.
My grandmother was discussing mental health issues in a broad sense and then turned to me and confidently declared, “You have overcome it.”
I told her that while there may not be a cure for my condition, I am dedicated to putting in the effort to manage it effectively.
She believes my accomplishments and ongoing efforts led to my healing journey.
The combination of my strong faith in God and adherence to my medication has indeed been instrumental in my recovery journey as well as the ‘College of Knowledge.’
Releasing the negative memories from my past and fully embracing the present is a powerful form of self-healing.
However, it can be all too tempting to slip back into self-pity and once again assume the role of the victim.
I used to view drinking and drugs as a form of self-medication, but now I see it as self-abuse.
My mental health condition ensures that I will face numerous challenging days, but I must persevere in the fight or risk self-destruction.
Every day, I must adhere to a rigorous schedule without fail.
When my daily schedule is disrupted, my thoughts become scattered, and I find myself in turmoil, leading to a potential crisis.
This year, I aim to add new tasks to my schedule to maintain balance rather than overwhelm myself.
Although my morning routine stays consistent, I realise the importance of returning to a more disciplined bedtime to maintain good sleep habits.
My evenings are a bit complicated as I go to bed past midnight instead of winding down and relaxing after 10 pm.
Establishing a structured schedule for completing tasks around my projects is essential for me to maintain a sense of control.
Numerous individuals struggle to find a purpose in life, leading them to gravitate towards negativity to cope.
More than six years ago, I found myself among those individuals who never truly felt happy despite putting on a smile. I was satisfied with living a solitary life, simply going through the motions of existence.
Today, no matter where I am or what tasks I am engaged in, I make a conscious effort to extract the positive aspects from all negative experiences.
While it is regrettable that many of us have faced challenges and experienced intense emotions, our growth and progress can enable us to support and uplift others in similar situations.
If we allow these negative emotions and experiences to consume us, we might as well check ourselves into the nearest mental institution.
If you truly want to improve your situation, you must be willing to work hard and confront your past head-on.
Choosing to ignore the challenges we face is akin to surrendering to our demise.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie M Bleau
Scripture of Balance