I’m convinced that some
people are just born with that “victim mentality.” What’s a hardship to one
person may not be to another. For instance, there were 6 kids in my neighbor’s
family. Their parents died of murder/suicide while they were kids. Very
traumatic! Only one of the kids chose to dwell on this life event. The others,
however, have been more resilient and have lived normal lives.
The thing is: you are far stronger than you
think, and you will never know how strong you are until you face a similar, if
not worse situation.
For instance, actress Drew Barrymore was already known in her first
Hollywood role, in “E.T. – The Extraterrestrial”. At the time, she was already
attending parties with older people and drinking alcoholic beverages.
As her parents were alcoholics, they didn’t
care much for their daughter’s life.
At age 10, Drew smoked marijuana and at 12 used
cocaine. She attempted suicide at age 13 and, after the episode, was admitted
to a clinic. When she turned 15, the actress emancipated herself from her
parents to start her life over.
Every life has hardships and
suffering of various kinds. Your mental outlook and your support system are the
crucial factors. If you face life with courage and optimism, rather than
feeling like a victim, and if you have the support of others who love you,
there is no rough patch you cannot get through. Most of all, lean on God, who
loves you infinitely more than anyone else and who will always be there for you
if you have a relationship with Him through Jesus. This is what has brought me
through many struggles and losses and given me joy even in the midst of sadness.
My advice, keep your head
up. Roll with the punches. Work hard. Build genuine friendships. Lastly,
always—always! —choose to
do the right thing.
