Avery's Adventures!

My biggest lesson this year has been that life does not always go as planned. My plan for this year was to settle down and get married, but after realizing the toxic nature of the relationship, I left and started a new life in Arizona. As a result of my fear of the unknown, I found it difficult to take this step.  But with the support of close friends and my determination to create a better future for myself, I made the courageous decision to leave it all behind and start over. I discovered new things about myself and how capable I am to be successful in life. I was also inspired creatively and I discovered new hobbies.  I made new friends and made new connections. I can’t wait to see what 2024 will have in store. I will go into this new year with an open mind and heart. 

I have lived in Arizona for about four months now and it has been a big change, but I know it was for my own good. It was a plan B after getting out of a toxic relationship. I don’t know what the next few months will bring, but I’m doing my best to be optimistic and patient. I have always been a believer that things happen for a reason and they do. Having patience is the best way to go. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

We are often told by the world that we are weak. No matter what challenges you face, remember that you possess the strength to overcome them. You are enough, just as you are. Believe in yourself and the possibilities that await you. You have the power to create a life that you love and to be your own source of strength and joy. It’s okay to be scared and feel negative emotions, it means you are human. The world hasn’t gone soft, but it’s making expressing emotions more vital to physical and mental health. There is nothing weak about being vulnerable. I strongly disagree with the notion that showing emotions and vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Johnny Depp said this amazing quote about vulnerability, “People cry not because they’re weak, it’s because they’ve been strong for too long.” 

 Lately, this question has plagued my mind: why does the world love negativity so much? It's so strange that people seem to love the tragic stories on the news, drama, and horrific videos on social media. While scrolling through Instagram today, a video of a kid hitting a dog appeared on my feed. He kept doing it repeatedly, and no adult did a thing to stop it. I was so disgusted and horrified by what I saw that I deleted Instagram from my phone. Someone encouraging someone to hurt innocent animals like dogs is one of the worst forms of evil in my eyes. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it. Anyone who did that to my dog would completely lose my trust. How could anyone think of hurting an animal as pure as a dog, let alone any person as well?  The world needs to stop relishing in causing pain to people, animals, the world, etc.  The world definitely needs to be more kind. 

Sometimes you’re met with a heartbreaking revelation as to why things happened the way they did. While I’m grateful for the love of my life, I’m also grateful I got out of the relationship when I did, because I realized my self-worth and that I didn’t deserve to be disrespected. I didn’t deserve to be given “common sense tests” or to be objectified for my body. I didn’t deserve to feel like I was the one going crazy. I definitely didn’t deserve to feel like I “needed to be more flexible” with my standards and values.  If you are trapped in a toxic relationship, find a way out because you don’t deserve the pain that comes with it. Look for the warning signs and get help as soon as possible. You will gain strength for leaving someone who tries to weaken you. Be a warrior and fight for your worth, because no one will take it away from you.

 Sometimes we have to let go of people who aren't good for our mental health, and it's one of the hardest things to do; especially when you have so much love for them. That's one of the things I have gone through lately. I had to let the love of my life go because we wanted different things, and it wasn't working anymore. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do because I loved him so much. In fact, I still love him, and I wish him all the best in the world. As the song from Wicked goes, “ I've heard it said, That people come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those Who help us most to grow if we let them. And we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you. Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun, Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood. Who can say if I've been changed for the better But because

Mental illnesses need to stop being stigmatized. Mental illness should be taken just as seriously as physical illness. If someone has a broken leg or is in need of surgery, then you would expect them to get medical care, but when someone is feeling depressed; people often say “Just think positive” “You’re just seeking attention.” “People have it worse than you.”  We need to stop med shaming, because that’s how one can get on the path to healing along with therapy. There’s nothing wrong with that. Be there for your loved one who is struggling. Be kind. 

Mental health is a misunderstood concept that people don’t always take the time to understand. The brain can get sick just like any other part of the human body. Mental health struggles aren’t an individual’s attempt to gain attention, it’s a genuine struggle of the mind. Mental health should be taken seriously, because you never know what someone could be going through.  Yes, it can be frustrating when you don’t understand why it’s happening, but do your best to be patient and compassionate. Take the time to be aware of your loved one’s needs and struggles. You will never regret being kind.

I am a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’m not a perfect person but I’m striving everyday to be a better person. As I’ve gotten older and wiser, I have learned to understand and be more aware of those around me. Everyone of us is different and that’s okay. Everyone deserves love and tolerance. Those not of my faith, I love you. My friends in the LGBTQ+ community, I love you. Those who have different ways of living, I love you. Those who are dealing with challenges and feel like they have no where to turn, I love you and I’m here for you. Everyday I try my best to be like my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am here for you and I love you. Everyone deserves to be loved and cared for. This is why I try my best to see people as the Lord sees them. The Lord loves you; I love you. I am here for you if you need anyone to talk to. The Savior, Jesus Christ, commands us, “Love one another as I loved you.” Everyone deserves to have a friend. I know I have made mistakes as