C-C-C-Cold/A day of looking back, to look forward.

Today was another cold one, as runners and the rest of society in this part of the world know. The ice on my beard is an indication of the temps we're experiencing, and we in Indiana are getting off easy. Still fighting for whatever miles I can get in January, but know some months are just tough. But you get through it and focus on the next, which is what I'm doing now. 

Without getting into the extreme details I will say that on this day in 2015 I tried to kill myself. After 4 years I'm finally learning to talk about this in a public way. This was discussed with my therapist in private of course, and my life view has completely changed since then. But back then I was just shattered. A lot of smaller incidences led up to me going that direction. The proverbial 'death by a thousand cuts'. And I'll also say that when a person is in the mindset they just want the hurt to stop. I can remember I wasn't thinking of anyone or anything, I just wanted to stop hurting. When you're in the depths of the brier patch all you can do is think of the peril surrounding you. The wounds you've suffered and the ones that seem to be waiting. Your judgement becomes clouded and you just want this to stop. 

As I look back all I can do is think of how grateful I am to be here. How much I love seeing friends and family, my cats, creating, enjoying music and live shows, meeting new people, and of course running. I can also look forward like never before, and running has been a huge part of that. Also it's important to add that this is too a daily struggle and some are sunny, some less so. That's life as they say, but the important thing is to find a way to manage the less than stellar days. To find a way to survive. And if you see or suspect someone of having a struggle and inching closer to a decision like that be sure to step in and just offer to talk. I've listed a resources link that also has a lot of great organizations to lend a hand, ear, or shoulder. Communication does wonders, it's how we open doors and solve problems. Just something therapy has taught me.