What’s something you believe everyone should know.

Life is incredibly unpredictable; you can never anticipate what’s next. At times, it seems like you have everything under control and have meticulously planned your path to achieve your goals. However, life can throw unexpected challenges your way, leaving you feeling off-balance and questioning your plans. You experience a whirlwind of emotions, including disappointment, anger, sadness, and discouragement. It’s common to blame yourself for these unexpected turns, only to later realize that you couldn’t have altered the circumstances. Life has its own course, and you can’t control every aspect.

During these trying times, it’s essential to remember that you can’t dictate how others perceive you or control the universe. The only thing within your control is your response to life’s challenges. I understand the frustration and heartache these situations can bring, pushing you to the point of questioning your efforts, thinking, “I’ve given my all, but is it ever enough?”

I’ve been through these feelings. I spent days blaming myself for events that had happened, battling depression, and despising myself for my struggles with severe anxiety and OCD. The frustration overwhelmed me, leading me to question, “What more can I do? I’m doing my best, and it’s still not enough.”

Then, someone wise reminded me that not everyone is ready to accept you for who you are. You’ve done everything within your power and continue to do your best. The key is to maintain faith and trust in yourself, not letting others dampen your spirit. Accept that you’ve given your best, and don’t dwell on their opinions.

I came to realize that I couldn’t change the situation, and I shouldn’t torture myself for something I have no control over. I didn’t choose to have this illness. At times, my compulsions, obsessions, and rituals felt out of control, leaving me asking, “Why me?” But I believe there’s a greater plan for me, and I trust that things happened for a reason.

Through the years, I’ve learned other ways to cope with my invisible illness and I find it easier to manage these days. I’m grateful for my ability to remain calm and composed during challenging moments. While I can’t claim that it doesn’t bother me anymore, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by loved ones who understand my struggles, which is a tremendous source of support.

What I’ve learned is that, no matter how hard you work to prove your worth to someone, their perception won’t change if they’re unwilling to accept you for who you are. What truly matters is that no matter the circumstances you face, you continue to give it your all and remain true to yourself throughout the process.