* * *

Now, I will share with you one of the reasons that I "keep-on keeping-on" despite the difficulties of dealing with schizophrenia and the many other painful and life threatening illnesses that I live with day after day.

I believe we are all on this planet because there is something that each of us is supposed to do before our departure.  We don't know what that chore is and may not even know once we have completed it.  I believe this chore may range from serving as President of the United States of America (I'm confident that this is not my assigned chore.) to saying one word to one person at one specific point in time.

Because I'm still here, I'm assuming that I haven't yet completed my chore.  So, until I do complete my assigned chore, I try to reach out to others and pass along the gifts I have received that have been so helpful in my ongoing journey of recovery.  I offer unconditional acceptance, encouragement, understanding and compassion.

Who knows, maybe you are the one to whom I'm supposed to say that one word.

* * *

Please remember, this writing reflects my own experience and opinions.  If you, or a loved one, are experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia, or any other mental illness, you should seek professional assistance.