The Day I Chose Healing Over Revenge
There was a time when simply walking into work felt overwhelming.
I was dealing with one of the most difficult periods of my life. My emotions were heavy, my confidence was shaken, and some days I wanted to stay home and avoid the world altogether. Yet I still had responsibilities, coworkers and a job that depended on me showing up. These are the Five things that helped me remain professional while working through a personal crisis.
1. I focused on what I could Control
When life falls apart, it's easy to become consumed by things we cannot change. I couldn't control other people's choices. I couldn't change the past. I couldn't force circumstances to be different. What I could was within my control helped me feel less powerless.
2. I channeled My Emotions Into Movement
Instead of allowing anger and frustration to build up inside me, I started walking. Those walks eventually led me to the Gym. Exercise became a healthy outlet for emotions that I didn't want to carry into the workplace. Movement didn't solve my problems, but it gave me a healthier way to manage them.
3. I Asked for Help
For a long time, I thought being strong meant handling everything alone. I learned that true strength is knowing when to ask for support. Therapy gave me a safe place to process my feelings, learn coping strategies, and begin healing. Having support outside of work helped me remain more focused and composed while I was at work.
4. I Leaned on the Right People
One of the greatest blessings during my personal crisis was the support of a few coworkers who showed up for me when I needed it most. One coworker became what I jokingly called my "anxiety blocker." On the days when I felt like I might break down, she would sit with me, hold me tight, remind me to breathe, and help me work through my anxiety one moment at a time. Sometimes she simply listened, and that made all the difference. Another coworker encouraged me to channel my pain into something productive. He began training me in the Gym and taught me how to use exercise as an outlet for my emotions. What started as a way to cope became a journey of physical and mental transformation.
Their support reminded me that strength isn't about carrying every burden alone. Sometimes strength is allowing others to help you carry it. I will always be grateful for the people who helped me keep moving forward when i wasn't sure I could do it by myself.
5. My Children Gave Me a Reason to Keep Going.
As a single mother, I knew that my choices would affect more than just me. There were many days when I felt overwhelmed by my emotions, but I reminded myself that my children were depending on me. They needed stability, support, and a parent who could continue moving forward even during difficult circumstances. Knowing that I was responsible for providing for them helped me keep my composure at work. Every shift, every task, and every paycheck represented something bigger than my personal pain. It represented my commitment to my children and their future. When I felt like giving up, I thought about them. They became one of my greatest sources of strength and motivation.