11 Comments
User's avatar
Patrycja Rusak's avatar

In the collapse, we rise.

When nothing is left, you’re faced with only two choices: go up or go down.

For me, it was my kids who refused to let me give up.

And years later, life may still be imperfect—but choosing not to give up is exactly where the magic begins.

Thank you for sharing ❤️

Helen Ranson's avatar

You found your amazing!

Walking Monologues's avatar

Thank you for this. We carry seconds, minutes, hours deep within us that forever change the trajectory of our lives.

Caroline McCormack's avatar

Reading this reminded me of my rock bottom moment in 1991 clinging to a doorframe for fear that if I let go I would fall into the abyss. Seems so long ago now and at the time it was situational chaos - pressure of an intense job at the time a crappy boss marriage breaking down unreliable parents oh and then a full mental breakdown then relief it felt like the best thing at that point I couldn’t care anymore because my body and mine were spent broken and then 12 weeks signed off by the Dr. Then a job change in the midst of it. I look back and think how the hell did I survive it all no friends who really understood - it took me 18 months to ‘rebuild myself’ but I’m still here I guess I’m stronger than I thought. This is the first time I’ve ever shared something like this on a platform maybe I should write about it. Your essay took me back to that door frame just like you in the kitchen. Means a lot to read it, people who are going through something similar need to know you can survive you can rebuild it takes time and strength❤️

The Rebuild Project's avatar

Thank you for trusting this space with something so raw. That image of clinging to the doorframe says everything about how real and terrifying that moment was. When everything collapses at once, the relief can come not from answers, but from finally not having to hold it all together anymore. I am really glad you made it through and that you are here now, able to look back from a different place.

Summer Mulder's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. What a powerful moment. And you’re so right: the rebuild starts when you decide not to disappear. 🙏

The Rebuild Project's avatar

Thank you for saying that. It really is a turning point, isn’t it. The moment you choose not to disappear from your own life is the moment everything quietly begins to shift. I am glad this landed with you. Grateful to have you here walking this rebuild with me.

Summer Mulder's avatar

I’m so grateful too! ❤️

Nicola Vitkovich's avatar

I would call that a really powerful "burn the boats" moment. Thank you for sharing it. It's very moving and I would say very brave - demonstrative of your strength even if you didn't feel it at the time.

The Rebuild Project's avatar

Strength doesn’t always feel strong.

Sometimes it just feels necessary.

Nicola Vitkovich's avatar

That’s what makes it strength.