To the Woman who hasn't been herself in a while

Dear Sisters:

 Life is hard. Anyone who says otherwise is either living in a bubble, they are oblivious to their surroundings, or they are singularly lucky. My life started to spin out of control in 2018, and then it really hit a wall after I got Covid. It’s hard not to get overwhelmed by the struggle, the lost hopes, the worries, even the fears that are a part of life.
   Lately I have noticed that many of the women who are my heart sisters are shouldering so many burdens. Sick family members, ill health, money worries, children who are faltering, job insecurity, it’s a never ending battle for them just to get through the day. It’s natural that they mourn for a past life, perhaps a simpler life, one that was kinder to them.
   I want you to know that I see you, I hear you, and I’m here for you.
 
To the woman who hasn’t been herself for a while

 Stay hopeful…
That your spark will reignite soon.
That this weight will heave itself from your tired shoulders, soon.
That you’ll recognise the girl in the mirror again someday.
Soon.
Don’t let the fear rise up and engulf you in the middle of the night anymore. It’s not real. It’s a lie and it’s keeping you down.
This will pass.
You, you’re still in there.
Hang on.
The thing is, my friend. Life can be heavy, it can be draining and sometimes it can feel like you’re the only one getting it all wrong.
You’re not.
You really aren’t.
Look around any room and I promise you everyone you see, has felt the same way before, or will someday in the future.
And it will pass.
You’ll be back.
To the girl who hasn’t been herself for a while.
Don’t worry.
This is just a chapter not your whole story.
Never believe otherwise.
 
-Donna Ashworth
 
Art by Frederick William Elwell