Ivy Marshall

Simple Reasons That Have Saved Me

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve struggled with my mental health for most of my life.
It used to be something I carried with shame—something I felt I had to hide or try to "just make go away." That changed when I met the right people and began to learn that mental illness isn’t something to be ashamed of. It's not something that makes you weak.

People often say things like, “Think of your family and friends—they would miss you terribly.” But when you're in the depths of that darkness, those words don’t always reach you. At that point, I’ve already convinced myself it wouldn’t matter.

A few years ago, though, I found one small reason to keep going. Just one. I wrote it down. And from that one reason, I began a list—my list of reasons not to give up.

Every time something gave me happiness, joy, peace, or simply made me pause—I added it.
Here’s a small piece of that list * in no particular order*. Maybe it helps someone else start theirs.

The new Muppets movie comes out in 2 days. I have to see it 

I have massage benefits left, I can't waste those, I am going to go get a massage. 

I want to kiss someone hot 

I still have money in my bank accounts. 

I want to eat Oysters

I haven't achieved my goal of buying Champagne. 

I don't want my dog to think I abandoned her 

I have packages coming 

I just paid my rent might as well enjoy my home. 

I haven't gone to Disney World 

I want to fall in love one more time. 

I have candles I haven't burned yet 

I have new books on my shelf that I haven't read. * started reading the book, read for 8 hours straight* 

I want to tell them I love them

I need to see her in person 

Her Birthday is in 4 days. I don't want to ruin that, and I already got her gifts. 

I need to hug them first. 

I just bought groceries and I have lots of nice meals planned.