There is exactly one month and one day until I graduate from The University of Georgia . I am in awe of how time has flown by the past four years. My time at UGA was filled with achievements, broken dreams, and personal growth.On the outside looking in, it may seem as if I have it all. I'm smart, pretty, liked by most. However, one thing people don't see is the hurt and pain that I've experienced over the past year. Many would never guess that I experienced depression so deep that I once slept 12 hours in one day. Many don't know that I barely remember my 21st birthday. Not because I was so drunk, but because I felt so much emotional pain and was so deep in depression that I blocked out everything going on around me. The doctors tried to label me as _______, but I refused to accept that diagnosis.
Then two weeks after my birthday, I had surgery on both of my legs. I was in excruciating pain for two weeks after that. My body was rejecting my pain medicine. I had to switch prescriptions several times, but no dosages would help my physical pain. Nothing eased the emotional pain either. However, I appeared to be handling it well becasuse I appeared happy. But inside I was breaking, so I decided to give it ALL away.1 Peter 5:7 , "Cast ALL your anxiety on Him (God) because He cares for you."
So I gave Him all my worry, pain, doubts and frustrations. I realized that it was too much for me to handle alone. I had become bitter, hardened and unstable because of the many things going on in my life. The depression was just the manifestation of all my stress and anxiety. But I had enough. So I gave it all away... to Jesus. Now I can say that the sum of what I have gained is greater than everything that I gave away. 2016 has been one of the best years of my life. I have a great support system and a wonderful boyfriend. I am graduating Cum Laude. I have several job opportunities lined up for after graduation. I am happier, calmer and more confident. I gave it all away and I gained so much more.
If you're weighed down by stress, pain, frustration or any negative emotion, I challenge you to not let it overwhelm you. Find an outlet, whether it be religion, a hobby or a sport. Don't keep those negative things in your life, be like me, GIVE IT ALL AWAY.
.:JRSN:.
