Facing Your Struggles: A Path to Freedom

Hi there!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I want to talk about something we often shy away from—our struggles.

Like all of you, I’ve faced my fair share of struggles. We often keep quiet about our struggles because we fear being perceived as weak or judged. For me, expressing my thoughts aloud made them feel all the more real. I thought that if I kept them in my head, they might just disappear. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I learned what we resist persists in our lives.

Being open about our experiences helps normalize discussions about mental health. It not only provides support for ourselves but can also help others feel less alone in their struggles. I invite you to delve into my personal Pandora's Box—don't worry, I'll keep it short and sweet.

Uncomfortable in My Voice

Growing up, I learned Spanish as a second language. My grandpa often commented not just on my accent but also on my pronounced lisp, showing deep concern for the challenges I might face if it wasn’t 'fixed.' This made me incredibly self-conscious and ashamed of speaking, feeling as though my speech wasn’t 'normal.' Despite undergoing therapy to correct this, the criticisms persisted, deeply affecting my self-image for a long time.

Uncomfortable in My Body

Throughout elementary and middle school, I was heavier than most of my peers. This, along with my speech issues, made me intensely self-aware. I learned to cope by adopting roles—I wasn’t the 'funny one' or the 'handsome one,' so I chose to be the 'strong and loud type.' This facade masked my low self-esteem and constant self-criticism, making me feel out of place no matter where I was.

Uncomfortable in My Environment

Labeled as the class “troublemaker” early on, I embraced this identity, becoming a regular in the school principal’s office. Later in life, this label led me to seek out more dangerous environments and groups of friends. This perception followed me into adulthood, influencing my actions and self-view, ultimately leading me to sabotage myself whenever things started going well.

Uncomfortable in My Mind

Conforming to societal expectations, I found myself playing different roles depending on the company—family, friends, work, or social events. This dissonance continued as I mastered the art of getting what I wanted, sometimes manipulating situations in my favor. I had everything I thought I wanted, yet I didn’t have myself.

Uncomfortable and Spiritually Misaligned

As I mentioned in other newsletters, I used constant noise—music, TV, social gatherings—to drown out the internal voices that echoed “something’s off in your life.” It wasn’t until I chose to face these voices that I truly began to understand myself.

The Realignment

It would be easy to blame others for my struggles, to ignore my issues, or to present a facade. But true growth comes from recognizing that it's my responsibility to face these struggles. It starts from revisiting these painful memories, accepting them, and choosing to move forward with a clearer sense of self. All that is required is to show up for yourself.

Show Up For Yourself - Put It In Action This Week

This week, seize the opportunity to build momentum towards better mental health. Whether you're confronting shadows or barriers, opening up can create space for healing and magic. Have that conversation you’ve been postponing for too long. Once you take that step and talk to someone, you’ll realize it wasn’t as daunting as you imagined, which will energize you to take another step, creating a positive cycle.

Pro Tip: When your heart races and your palms sweat as you're about to share something personal, remember—it’s not just stress or fear. It’s the anticipation of a potentially life-changing connection.

I'd love to hear from you! Hit reply and share your thoughts or experiences, or share this newsletter with someone who might benefit from this read.

Keep Growing,

Carlos