Hello world! I know it has been ages since I showed up on this side of the internet. Your girl as been busy with the affairs of life. I almost cannot believe that so much time has passed without putting up a post. A lot has happened to say the least. However, I have celebrated a few victories . I passed my USMLE Step 3 examination. It is the final examination in the USMLE sequence leading to a license to practice medicine without supervision for doctors in the Unites States. I took it back in March, 2021. Also, I have published yet another book titled Marriage Capsules. On the other hand, I have had a couple of experiences that were quite painful however, I am still here typing away with a smile.
So when I ask you “how are you doing?” It is not merely a cliche or a mere statement offered out of basic courtesy. I mean it as a sincere statement seeking genuine interest in the state of your life. What I have come to realize is that many people are not really doing okay. You see a lot of people who are well dressed, looking prim and proper but the state of their heart and life is nothing close to “prim” let alone “proper”. I have encountered people who basically start crying without any precipitating factor that others could see. Many are dealing with secret pain they cannot voice out. Many are dealing with hurt that goes so deep that it lingers. Many people are dealing with different shades of stressful situations. I know we are all still living through a pandemic. The Federal Aviation Administration reports there have been 4,090 unruly passenger complaints this year, a number that far exceeds the typical 150 complaints each year. People are going around with so much anger and pent up emotions that the slightest provocation leaves many erupting like volcano !
There is a lot of strain on the mental health of people.
According to the National Alliance on Mental health:
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
So my dear friends, I ask you again “How are you doing?” It is okay not to be fine. It is okay not to be okay. Whenever, you realize that you are not okay, please reach out to your support system and lean on them. Find a worthy shoulder to lean on. Get a box of tissues and have a good cry if you must. Be kind to yourself. Cut yourself some slack. Prioritize your self care . Make taking care of yourself be a major pre-occupation for you without guilt. Be selfish in caring for your own self. Please do not hesitate to nurture and nourish yourself today, tomorrow and always.
Alright friends, till when next I come your way, stay strong and be safe out there.
“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort”
— Deborah Day