Life has a way of throwing us into the deep end when we least expect it.

In 2016, my life changed. Once an athlete, next a brain injury and overdose survivor. For me, hitting rock bottom wasn’t just a metaphor—it was a reality. It was painful, messy, and at times, I didn’t know if I’d make it through. But looking back, I see how those darkest moments taught me the most valuable lessons.

Here are five powerful things I learned from hitting rock bottom.

1. Appreciate the Small Things in Life

Before everything happened, I never truly appreciated the little things. I was always looking ahead, chasing something bigger, thinking happiness was in the next achievement. But when I lost my health, I realized how much I had taken for granted—things as simple as breathing deeply, feeling the sun on my skin, or laughing with people I love.

Now, I find joy in the little moments. The way my morning coffee smells, the sound of rain, the warmth of a hug. There was a time when moving my body felt impossible. Simple things—lifting my arms, standing for long, or even taking a deep breath—felt like battles I wasn’t sure I’d win. Exercises that once seemed so easy now felt like climbing a mountain. But slowly, step by step, I started to rebuild. The first time I could stretch without pain, the first time I could walk a little further, the first time I did a movement that once felt impossible—each moment was a victory. I no longer take movement for granted. Now, when I exercise, I don’t just see it as a workout; I see it as a celebration of what my body can do, even after everything it’s been through.

When you lose everything, you realize that these small things were actually the big things all along.

2. Gratitude Changes Everything

When you’re at your lowest, gratitude feels impossible. How do you feel grateful when everything is falling apart? But I learned that even in the worst moments, there is always something to be grateful for. Some days, it was as simple as being able to wake up. Other days, it was having someone who cared about me.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the bad—it’s about choosing to see the good despite it. And when you do that, your entire mindset shifts. It doesn’t mean life suddenly gets easy, but it does make it more beautiful.

For me gratitude was the stepping stone to becoming who I am today. To stop seeing myself as the victim and to start seeing the beauty in life. Keeping a journal and writing down everything that you appreciate in life is a great step to gain a new perspective.

3. Healing Takes Time, and That’s Okay

I wanted to be “better” right away. I thought I could rush my healing, push through the pain, and wake up one day feeling like myself again. But healing doesn’t work like that. Some days, I felt like I was making progress. Other days, I felt like I was back at square one. And that’s normal.

There were times in life where giving up felt like the answer. That my balance would never come back and I would never be able to do the things I once was. It felt like no matter how hard I tried, my body just wouldn’t cooperate. Simple movements that once felt natural became overwhelming, and I wondered if I’d ever feel steady again. But healing takes time. Little by little, I started to regain control—slow progress, frustrating setbacks, but also small victories. And now, every step I take reminds me of how far I’ve come.

Recovery—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional—is not linear. It’s a journey. And the moment I accepted that, I stopped being so hard on myself. Progress isn’t about speed; it’s about showing up for yourself every single day, even when it feels slow.

4. You Are Stronger Than You Think

There were moments I thought I wouldn’t make it. Moments where I felt weak, exhausted, and completely broken. I kept going. And that showed me something powerful—strength isn’t about never struggling; it’s about continuing despite the struggle. moments where my body wouldn’t move the way I wanted it to, where my mind felt trapped in frustration, where I wondered if I would ever feel like me again. I used to take the simplest things for granted—standing without effort, walking without thinking, trusting my own balance. And then, suddenly, those things weren’t simple anymore.

We don’t always realize how strong we are until we have no other choice but to be. If you’re going through something difficult, know this: You will get through it. You are already so much stronger than you think.

5. Your Story Can Inspire Others

For a long time, I felt like maybe my struggles that have happened in my life didn’t matter. Like the story just did not matter. Looking back at it now, it feels like it is just a fever dream and that maybe it did not happen to me I just know the story. And I think that means that I have done enough inner healing on my trauma that talking about it does not scare me as much.

Now, hearing the story of Alex Warren and how he used his story to help others through music. I realise that maybe I can share my story and help others too.

If I can help one person realise that just because you have had a bump in the road does not mean that you can’t keep going. Life continues even after trauma and you first must realise your trauma to become the person you want to become.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts: Finding Strength in the Hardest Moments

Hitting rock bottom changed me. It forced me to see life differently, to let go of things that didn’t matter, and to hold on tight to the things that truly did. I learned that happiness isn’t found in the big milestones it’s in the small, ordinary moments we often overlook. I learned that gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful when life is good, but about choosing to see the good even when life feels impossible.

Healing taught me patience. It showed me that progress isn’t always obvious and that even when it feels like nothing is changing, every small step forward matters. Some days, I felt stuck. Some days, I felt like giving up. But with time, I realized that healing isn’t about speed it’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

I discovered a strength in myself that I never knew existed. The kind of strength that comes from enduring pain and still choosing to move forward. The kind of strength that comes from falling and getting back up, over and over again. I know now that I am capable of more than I ever believed and if I can survive this, I can survive anything.

But maybe the most powerful lesson of all? Our stories matter. Every struggle, every setback, every victory it all has a purpose. And sometimes, the things we go through aren’t just for us. Maybe they’re meant to help someone else feel less alone. Maybe our pain turns into someone else’s hope.

So if you’re struggling right now, if you feel like you’ll never get back up—I promise you, you will. You are stronger than you think. You are capable of healing, of joy, of building a life you love. And even if you don’t see it yet, you’re already on your way.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one small thing you’re grateful for today? Let me know in the comments!

Remember, it all starts with self love

-M

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