Creating Change

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

Like many bloggers, I definitely hope that my writing will serve a purpose. And in a world that requires a lot of change, the opportunity to be a part of that change is a big motivating factor to keep going. That said, I find it difficult to believe that little old me can create a movement and usher in a new era. Why do I continue blogging if I feel so small and insignificant to the big picture?

I imagine it’s because I believe small changes are still worthy of pursuit. No significant change happens overnight. I think progress is an amalgamation of many people helping to bring about incremental changes over time. It’s like the passing of a baton in a relay race where progress and change are built upon their predecessors.

If no one believed they could help our world, where would we be right now? That’s why I remind myself that even if I never become a huge activist, inventor, etc., I can still potentially help. I’m here on Earth and I might as well try.

What Would I Change?

As much as I’d like to fix A LOT of things in this world like war, starvation, and so much more, the best chance I have at changing something is to concentrate my efforts. I’m not a science whiz who might develop cures to illnesses and I’m not a politician who might change things from inside the government. I’m also not smart enough to become a doctor or nurse without borders. (I mention these examples because I’ve seriously considered them in the past.)

So what do I have? Well, I love to write and I love to write my truth. I’ve been through hell with my share of mental illnesses and I’m clawing my way back to stability. I understand how it feels before having help as well as during help. I’ve felt stigma and the fight against stigma and I’ve experienced first-hand almost every component of the mental healthcare system in Canada. (Not exaggerating!)

Above all and for some unknown reason – I’m not afraid to talk about it. I’m not afraid to expose myself and share the nitty gritty of my struggles as I painstakingly find what works for me.

I believe that every persons’ struggle and path to recovery is unique; my personal discoveries are just that – personal. But I’m not alone in being at war with myself and I want to help open the dialogue on the most misunderstood conflict of humankind: Self against self.

So to answer the writing prompt of what I’d like my blog to change:

I want to raise awareness, reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help and offer insights into achieving sustainable recovery. There’s a lot more, but it all comes down to furthering the cause of mental health.