When Life Gives You Lemons…

“Level Up!”

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I’ve always said I’ve never taken an “L” (loss) a day in my life. Lemons to lemonade, they say -right? For every challenge I’ve encountered, I’ve discovered a way to “level up” and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. My ability to bounce back from setbacks has become a reflex at this point. I may be down for a time, but I never let it linger to the point where depression debilitates me.

As someone diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), I’m mindful of not slipping into an episode. It doesn’t take much, so when I recently ended a relationship with someone I still care about deeply and unexpectedly left a job I cherished, it felt like a double punch in the gut. “This can’t be a coincidence,” my aunt thoughtfully reminded me. “This just means you’re on track to do something amazing!” My track record speaks for itself, and I know I will land on my feet in life, love, career, aspirations, and more.

I have often been asked, “How do you overcome these challenges?” Despite the frequency of this question, I find it difficult to provide a satisfying answer. Many seek a clear “fix,” but that’s something I struggle to offer. I’ve always been relentlessly optimistic, even in my darkest times. I wish I could provide you with a recipe to apply to your lives, but I can’t formulate a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone…