Do Something.

Since I've grown older, I've realized a few things. There is no roadmap to life - no set course we just fall into - destiny is real, but we have to CHOOSE our destiny by ACTING on it. Also, there are no do-overs, no second chances. Sure we may reincarnate after we die, but as far as this life, we get ONE chance to get it right. If we don't get it right this time around, chances are we won't next time either. 

And most importantly, we have a LOT less time than we think. 

I am currently 28 years old. To most, this age is considered the prime time of life. But a crippling injury has caught up to me (sciatica, herniated disk, emotional buildup), and I am in constant, at times paralyzing pain. Did I know this would happen? No. If I'd known, I would have made better choices, taken care of my body, and stayed in touch with my emotions, even the tough ones. (Yes, repressed emotions can contribute to chronic pain. Face them.) When I was younger, I never imagined feeling so old at only 28! We don't think that something like this can happen until we're much older, but the truth is, you never know. 

Young people - I'm not trying to scare you, I'm trying to open your eyes. To fill you with a burning desire to DO SOMETHING about each of your lives before it's too late. Something meaningful. 

Is it working?

When we're young, we think "I have all the time in the world" and we proceed to waste our best years away by partying, watching TV, playing video games, and before we know it, our lives have passed us by. 

Our dreams. 

Our future. 

Our destiny. 

When we're old, we look back and think "I wish I'd done this" or "I always thought I'd have the time for that." Well, don't be one of those people. 

Don't be like me. 

Don't be a statistic. 

Break the cycle and DO something with your life while you are still young and able. Your best years don't come when you graduate, or after you find love, or after you land a high paying job. 

Your best years are NOW. 

Don't waste them. 

Once again, young people, I'm not trying to scare you. I'm trying to inspire you to get up and move. 

To be a leader. 

To do something that matters.

To start a revolution in your world.

I'm trying to light a fire inside of you. 

Is it working?

I'll Get By (Newest Video)

Footage: Alice In Wonderland.

Music: "Alice" by Avril Lavigne (from the soundtrack). 

 

I have overcome a lot in my lifetime. Rape, heartbreak, suicidal thoughts...  But all these things are mortal enemies, and they CAN be defeated. This video is my declaration of that fact. Not only for myself, but for whoever watches it. There IS hope. You are NOT alone. I founded a support group in 2008 called RISE (Rape Incest & Suicide Education). Check it out if you're interested. 

I experimented more with this video than I ever have, and I really hope you like it! I'm currently fighting yet another battle with a crippling injury called sciatica, and I was going to wait until I had completely defeated it before uploading this video, but then I decided to upload it anyway, as a sign of good faith. Because I've already survived so much, I'm not going to let this pain take me down. I've come a long way already, so here's to a full recovery!

I hope that whatever you're going through, or whatever you have gone through in the past, you can overcome it and RISE above it. And I hope this video gives you the strength to do that, like it's done for me. :)

Here it is: 

Until next time. Be The Lightning. ;)

 

 

Suicide Prevention Week

According to To Write Love On Her Arms, this week is National Suicide Prevention Week, and today (September 10th) is World Suicide Prevention Day. 

As you may already know, I founded R.I.S.E. (Rape Incest & Suicide Education) which aims to help those struggling with suicide to RISE above it and heal. Below is something I said to someone struggling with the loss of a loved one to suicide:

When we lose someone, especially in such a horrible way, such as suicide, it's important to remember them not for the way they left us, but for the way they lived. In stead of remembering all the grief caused by their passing, choose to remember all the good times you shared. That is the part of them that will live on forever. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

I thought the above quote was perfect for this day. A day when so many are grieving their lost loved ones. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen to us with an understanding heart. That's why RISE is here. If you've lost someone to suicide, please reach out and talk to someone. And if you are having suicidal thoughts yourself, we are here for you too. Suicide is not the answer. Please reach out to someone. In addition to R.I.S.E. , here is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 

I'm no professional, and I've never personally lost anyone I loved to suicide, but I have come close a few times, and it is a scary thing. I can only imagine how awful it must be to lose a loved one to suicide, but just try to remember all the good times you shared with them. 

I've also had suicidal thoughts many times throughout my life, and if you're struggling, I can tell you it gets better. Whatever you might be struggling with, it's never worth taking your own life. Suicide doesn't make things better, it only eliminates the chances of things getting better! 

 Whether you are suffering from the loss of a loved one to suicide, or whether you yourself are suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, I can only say one thing: 

You Are Not Alone!

I leave you with the latest R.I.S.E. video:

Keep Rising! 

-Kylie Kerosene 

(R.I.S.E. Founder)