Empowering Myself Against Depression

I am. I can. I will. This is just a moment.

About five weeks ago I posted on Facebook how my broken ankle is impacting on my mental health, my inner turmoil with a lot of other factors happening in my life, plus the displeasure of not having an income from my small-business.

I also mentioned on Facebook how it had exacerbated my depression. Well, my idea of impression. I might not have had depression – it might have been simply sadness. Because I was not always sad, and I was able to control my thoughts. Normally I could focus on my kid’s wants, my wife’s needs, and the things I enjoy. But that pain was not letting me be the person I normally was.

Thankfully deeper inside are two statements that override that sad feeling :

1. “This is just a moment” and
2. “I am, I can, I will” .

It’s not fun having to wait for a bone to repair: I couldn’t walk, I could not stand without crutches, and my whole day was spent sitting around.

While feeling consistent pain from the bruising and broken bone, I constantly dug deep into my self-help mantras, books, and other skills to keep my brain, body, and spirit both positive and alive. I knew how easy it was to be depressed with everything. I had been there. But that time was different.

This time I have resilience, self-belief and much more confidence in myself. I have developed my “I am, I can, I will” mantra into a list that I’d like to share with you.

I am capable of turning setbacks into growth & success.
~ I have cultivated a mindset that views setbacks as valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

I am committed to making a positive impact.
~ I have strengthened my sense of purpose and commitment, reminding myself of the importance of your work onto my family and household.

I can find creative solutions to challenges that arise.
~ I utilise my problem-solving abilities and encourage creative thinking to overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions.

I am committed to improving my physical & mental well-being.
~ I recognize that taking care of myself through exercise, good food and regular sleep is essential for success and happiness.

I embrace change as an opportunity for innovation and improvement.
~ I have cultivated a mindset that embraces change and sees it as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and improvement.

I am focused on cultivating a loyal customer base.
~ I realise the importance of meaningful connections and customer loyalty and their impact on both business success and social encounters.

I am dedicated to achieving my goals.
~ I continue to apply determination and perseverance, thereby reminding myself that the focus and commitment I put in will be worth the effort.

I am resilient and bounce back stronger.
~ I will be OK. My bones will heal, my mind won’t break, my clients will wait, and my business will have success – because I believe in myself.

I am proactive in creating my success.
~ I can find alternative work whilst my bones heal. I am always taking initiative and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to cross my path.

I am an entrepreneur who creates opportunities.
~ I can, I will and I am able to reinforce my entrepreneurial mindset, reminding myself of how much effort I put in will be worth the wait.

I am. I can. I will. This is just a moment.

I am aiming to be walking again before mid August! I will resume window washing. I can do this.

Ah, don’t be saying “Stephen, you’re so strong, you’re an inspiration.” I appreciate the words, but I am far from perfect.

To the few saying, you know who you are, “FFS, it’s just a broken ankle, what’s this crud / I’ve done worse and walked sooner / Walk it out man!”, Feel free to keep scrolling. This is not about you.

Thanks for reading, it feels good to release.