Ep. 133 September 3, 2013 will always be a date etched in my heart. It was the day I tried to end my life. At the time, I wasn’t grateful to still be here—I was angry, confused, and hurting. Recovery didn’t look like joy at first. It looked like surviving one day at a time, learning to breathe through the pain, and slowly discovering that life could hold meaning again.

In this episode of the Healthy Illness Podcast, I share what it’s like to live with that anniversary, how I prepare myself for heavy seasons, and the faith that carries me through. Matthew 5:16 reminds me to "Be the Light," even when it feels impossible.

If you’ve survived a suicide attempt, please know this: you are not alone, and it’s okay if your healing doesn’t look like anyone else’s. It’s okay if gratitude comes slowly. It’s okay if you’re still figuring it out.

🌱 In this conversation, I talk about:

How faith and community helped me rebuild my life

Strategies for facing emotionally charged anniversaries

The importance of self-care, mindfulness, and compassion

Why it’s okay to find joy again

💜 If you are struggling, please reach out: dial 988 for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. And if nothing else, let this episode remind you: your life matters, and you are meant to be here.

Here are 5 practices I now hold onto:

Set gentle reminders — Mark my calendar before September to check in with myself, so I’m not blindsided by the date.

Be kind to yourself — I give myself permission to slow down and offer extra compassion during this time.

Layer self-care — more than the daily routine, I become intentional about truly filling my cup.

Release guilt with mindfulness — if I forget or don’t commemorate the day, I remind myself healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay.

Reevaluate afterward — I take time to reflect: Did what I tried this year work? Do I need to adjust for next time?

🌱 These steps don’t erase the pain, but they give me tools to stay present and move forward. Most importantly, they remind me that it’s okay to enjoy life again.

🎙️ Healthy Illness Podcast Credits:

Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of⁠ Front Seat Life LLC⁠

📲 Instagram ⁠@‌thefrontseatlife⁠ FB ⁠@‌thefrontseatlife⁠

Email ⁠[email protected]⁠

🎧 Produced & edited by ⁠JazzCast Pros⁠

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