May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring light to the silent struggles so many carry and to remind ourselves that healing—mental, emotional, and physical—is a journey worth honoring.
There are moments in life when everything feels like it’s shifting—when the ground beneath us trembles and we’re left trying to find steady footing. I know this all too well.
These past few months have tested me in ways I never imagined. Recovering from surgery #37 (due to polio) has not only taken a toll on my body but also on my spirit. I won’t lie, it’s been hard. There were days when just getting out of bed felt like a mountain. Days when I doubted my strength, my ability, my path.
But here’s what I’ve learned through the pain, the healing, and the quiet:
Resilience isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about softening into the struggle, letting life shape you, and still choosing to rise—with tenderness, courage, and grace.
If you’re navigating your own season of uncertainty, I offer these five gentle steps that have helped me find light in the dark:
1. Anchor Yourself in the Present
When everything feels out of control, ground yourself by focusing on the moment. Deep breaths, prayer, meditation, a short walk, or even mindful pauses throughout your day can help you stay present and reduce anxiety about the future.
2. Control What You Can
You may not be able to change external circumstances, but you can choose how you respond. Focus on small, actionable steps—taking a class, joining a group, setting a routine, or limiting your news and social media intake—to create a sense of order in the chaos.
3. Stay Connected
Isolation can make uncertainty feel even heavier. Reach out to your support network, even if it’s just a quick text or call. Sharing thoughts with like-minded individuals reminds you that you’re not alone.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
It’s okay to not have it all together. Allow yourself space to feel, grieve, or rest without judgment. Speak to yourself the way you would to a friend going through a hard time—with kindness, patience, and understanding.
5. Focus on Purpose, Not Perfection
Resilience thrives when we reconnect with our “why.” Whether it’s your family, your community, your faith, or a personal mission—lean into the things that give your life meaning. Let purpose fuel your persistence.
Resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about bending without breaking. And even in the most uncertain times, you are more capable, more powerful, and more resilient than you think.
This month, and every month, let’s normalize the conversation around mental health. Let’s remind each other that strength can be quiet, soft, and sacred. Resilience doesn’t always roar—it sometimes whispers, “Keep going, love. One breath at a time.”
You are not alone. You are not broken. You are still here!
With love, light, and lipstick,
Dr. Elizabeth King, LCSW
