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Maybe it’s fame and fortune, maybe it’s a promotion at work, maybe it’s just surviving the day because that’s all the energy you can possibly muster. Success looks different to everyone so finding your WHY and learning how to relate that to your own personal vision of success is the ultimate goal.

Trust me, I didn’t have all of this wisdom when I entered my 20s. I’ve been through some tough situations, but have come out stronger than ever because of them. Here’s a quick timeline for you:

• May 2014, injured my back
• December 2015, had back surgery
• January 2016, started therapy
• June 2019, diagnosed with skin disease
• July 2019, decide to TAKE MY LIFE BACK

Pivotal life lessons

But through the struggles, you learn pivotal life lessons that shape your experience of adulthood. When you get knocked down for the fifth time, your effort to get up and try again becomes resilience. Accepting your circumstances, evaluating your emotions, and acting intentionally will allow you to take the world for what it is. Because that’s just it – you can’t control anything except your own actions. So if you’re unhappy, regardless of your reasoning, YOU are the only one who can change your situation.

Realizing you are the one in the way of your own success is not easy, but, once you take that step, the rest of the journey is just one foot in front of the other. It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of depression with the whole, “woe is me” attitude. I get it, I’ve been there. I’ve lived with anxiety since I was in elementary school and depression since I was in junior high.

Prioritizing my mental and physical health

During the years of excruciating back pain, which lead to deep depression, I wanted to give up. In every meaning of the term.

But I didn’t. Because I chose that life was worth living, and I’m here to tell you that it truly is.

 To say my mental and physical health journey is unique, especially at the ripe age of 27, is an understatement.

In June of 2019, I was diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a rare-ish skin disease that stems from an autoimmune disorder. Since my HS diagnosis, I’ve completely cut out gluten and dairy and follow a low-carb diet. This decision was based on my personal research about autoimmune disease and how what we put into our bodies affects EVERYTHING.

Sure, I’ve lost 60 pounds. But what I’ve gained back is my optimism, my motivation, the ability to LIVE my life fully. Consistency and patience helped get me where I am today, but it was my mindset that conquered all. My focus was to heal myself from the inside out, be patient, not step on the scale throughout, and stay mentally sound. I owe recognition to my psychologist, who’s helped me become fully self-aware and develop true mental strength.

Finding myself mentally, putting in the work to reflect that physically, and giving myself grace along the way is how I’ve achieved success in my 20s. I achieved mental and physical health – so can you!

Actionable Steps

About the Author

Hannah Barling

Social Media Manager

I’m Hannah, a 27-year-old Dallasite who loves all things health and wellness, dogs, travel, music, creative content, and so much more. With a degree in journalism and 6 years of digital marketing experience, I bring a unique set of skills to the table.
Follow along with my life at hannahbarling.com!
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