Rock Bottom- A state of mind.

Rock bottom- A state of mind

As someone who very proudly has ADHD- attention deficit HYPERactive disorder- I am no stranger to really feeling the highs, lows, and everything in-between that makes up such an exciting life. I have had an incredibly fortunate adventure thus far, surrounded by wonderful people, places, and the freedom to choose where my road goes.


However, there are many others who are not so fortunate, and have been through incidents that no one should have to live through. A close friend of mine fits this bracket. Recently we got onto the topic of rock bottom. We shared stories that were in no way comparable. We compared physical conditions, that were miles apart in reality. 


But, what did seem to co-align…what did actually resonate on a similar frequency…was state of mind. The way in which the mind processes rock bottom. The simplicity in which it sees this place; a point when you cannot see out. Where the view has left your sight, and the horizon is long gone. It’s that point without action. Where moving forward does not seem an option. Rock bottom is the lowest of lows, where it is impossible to process, and we sit stagnant for a moment. Stagnant, confused, maybe a little numb.

It’s from this place though, that you can find the power to shift gears. Because it takes a great deal of strength to move up from here. But when you do, that fire created IS your driving force. It is what keeps us moving forward with new perception. Rock bottom is a catalyst for change. I believe it is in our DNA- that are wired to rise up from ashes. 

So this is not about comparing circumstances. It is not about judgement of who has been through worse. There is no right or wrong way to feel. And there no specific way in which you should choose to deal with hitting this sort of low. This is state of mind, and is without doubt a connecting factor between us all. Each of us leads our own lives. We all have different coping mechanisms. Our thresholds of how much SHIT we can take is completely individual. And this is not up for judgement. It never will be. 

But. Hitting rock bottom…it is human, and no matter the severity of, it is a state of mind that connects us all. And, just as what goes up must come down; we all know that what comes down ALSO has the potential energy to RISE back up. It’s physics. I can say with strong conviction, that each time I have hit my personal rock bottom of a situation, it is the very moment that clarity has had a chance to resurface. It is when I can use pain, hurt, confusion, as a force of nature to move forward with. 

Because, being human means that we are wired to FEEL. And when you push feelings away, when you ignore and resist, it is impossible to move on. I firmly believe that it is healthy and OKAY to hit rock bottom. To let yourself fall down. And to allow yourself to take time there to soak it in. To experience the hopelessness. To take a moment in the darkness. It is a chance to refuel and recharge.

This place can be a safe zone. Where no matter your circumstance, physical setting or personal strength, your pain is valid, has no measure and is in no way compared to anyone else's. The how, what, why, that leads us to rock bottom has no relevance. It simply is a state of mind, and a safe zone in which there is a chance to renew. It is a place where you have the freedom to FEEL everything as fully as you need to. It is a moment where time is not of the essence, and you alone have the choice in how long you need there.

But, this also means that you alone have the choice in coming back. In coming out the darkness, to choose a fresh path or approach. Maybe one that is yet to be paved. Because it is a state of mind; meaning only you have the power to change and shift it for yourself. A very conscious decision that may take great amount of strength to make. But, the beauty of hitting this state of mind is that from the bottom, there is only one way to go. There is only one direction. 

.

And that is straight ahead.

Because, if we keep moving backwards, then what are we living for? 

Life is moving in one direction only, and it will not wait for anyone. It’s up to you whether you choose to fight it, or to ride with it. It is wholeheartedly up to you whether you chose to take charge or to retreat.  

There is no right or wrong here. It is simply part of human nature, and we can see rock bottom as weakness, or we can choose to see it as strength. 

I choose to see it as power. As a catalyst for change. As a chance to keep moving forward with life, cultivating a whole lot more to give. Because each time you find yourself in this state of mind; it is a chance to get to know yourself a little better, to dig down a little deeper, and to find a new strength, outlook and sense of adventure. It is not about dwelling in the lows, but about experiencing the SHIT and really FEELING it in order to move on. It is knowing that you are not alone in this. Because no matter what may seem on the outside, many of us are, or have been in this state of mind, and it is incredibly human. 

What is most human though; is the natural ability to adapt to our surroundings, and to find strength within struggle. To have an active choice in letting go of what is toxic; to choose acceptance. It is to understand that hitting rock bottom is very human state of mind, but one that can be used as a powerful driving force in the only direction that life is going.

Forward. Straight ahead.