Chapter 1: The Reality of Bad Days

Life can throw some curveballs.

I had a particularly rough day. Despite my awareness that everyone experiences challenging moments, the chaotic nature of days like this is especially tough for those in healthcare. While I frequently discuss my aspirations to obtain my RN license, at present, I’m just a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). Balancing this role with motherhood is one of the most challenging and tiring experiences I’ve ever faced. As I navigated through my shift today—dealing with blood, urine, and emotional turmoil from my patients—I felt an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about my future.

I couldn’t wait to leave work today. I ensured my patients ended their day with smiles (or left them to rest if they were dozing off), handed over my reports to the incoming CNAs, and hurried out of there so quickly that today’s newspaper nearly flew off the front desk in my wake.

Sitting in my car, I found myself muttering a mix of “How much longer can I keep doing this?” and “Why is life so hard?” I recalled one of my patients crying on the toilet earlier because she had just lost her husband, feeling utterly lost and broken. Yet, I also remembered her face lighting up with gratitude as she thanked me for being there to listen and support her.

In retrospect, my bad day may not have been as terrible as I initially thought. While I don’t earn nearly what I believe I deserve for my work, I recognize that I am fulfilling my heart’s deeper purpose by helping others. For that, I am grateful.

There’s nothing quite like a solid workout to clear away a rough day. I fueled up with some protein, downed an espresso, and headed straight to the gym. Usually, this part of my day helps reduce my anxiety and fills me with endorphins after a good lift. However, today was different; my “intense workout” transformed into a battle against my crippling social anxiety at a new gym rather than the epic "Leg Day" I had anticipated.

I refuse to give up, but I know when it's wise to take a break and try again tomorrow. I also have an unusual knack for finding humor in even the worst situations, a trait that can be both a strength and a weakness.

Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any worse, I returned home to find a green and white envelope on my keyboard: it was last month's bill from my lawyer.

Well, that’s just great.

After a deep breath, I opened the envelope.

“THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU. YOUR CASE HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED.” — With all the warmth of my Unaffordable Attorney.

I can hardly believe I survived the divorce process. I wish I could say I found humor in this darker chapter of my life. Over the past two years, I’ve had countless days where I felt like I was drowning in the pain of losing my family and the dream of a happily ever after. Yet, here I am, preparing my lunch for work tomorrow and packing my gym bag for "Leg Day," take two.

I am hopeful, resilient, and manage to find laughter even in adversity.

Life throws challenges our way.

Who are you during tough times?

Thank you for listening to my story. I appreciate each of you! ❤

© 2022 Divina Grey. All rights reserved.

Chapter 2: Finding Strength in Adversity

In this video, learn how to navigate tough conversations and respond to the question "How are you?" even when you're having a difficult day.

Chapter 3: Maintaining Positivity Amid Challenges

Discover effective strategies for staying positive during your lowest moments, as shared in this insightful video.