I want to share two areas of my life that continue to bring me both stress and growth. These challenges remind me of something I learned long ago: I live with mental health conditions, and I needed treatment to get well. At one point, I knew I couldn’t keep struggling the way I was. I was scared, but I began to believe that life could get better.

Over time, I came to realize something else: you don’t need a mental health diagnosis to experience pain, stress, or hardship. Struggles are a universal part of being human.

Lately, one of my biggest challenges has been physical. I’m recovering from spinal compression fractures after falling five times between January and April. It’s been a slow and painful journey, but I’m receiving physical therapy and working hard to heal and regain my strength.

The second area is very close to my heart, my love and care for feral cats. Many people don’t realize this, but some feral cats are friendly. All of them deserve food, shelter, medical care, and above all, a sense of safety. I’ve stopped asking why I care so deeply. I just know that I do. Supporting these animals has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life.

It’s been heartbreaking to step away from fostering or visiting the community feeding stations. I miss those moments deeply. But I hold onto hope. When I’m well enough, I plan to visit the older cats at our local Humane Society and offer them my time, attention, and love.

At home, I’m blessed to have my own two beloved cats, Amir and Pepa. They’re both around four years old now, and we love them dearly. I found them at an apartment complex where we used to live. Amir was just six weeks old when he came running down the sidewalk, climbed my steps, and let me hold him. Pepa was one of the outdoor cats I fed and cared for. I called her my “Don’t-worry-be-happy girl,” and the name fit her perfectly. She’s loving and joyful.

They still make us laugh every day, tossing toys in the air, pouncing on them, wrestling, and doing zoomies all over the house. They are more than pets. They are my Emotional Support Animals. They bring me comfort, connection, and joy, even on the hardest days.

When life feels heavy, I remind myself of this: I’ve faced struggles before, and I’ve found my way through. With patience, purpose, and love—even love for a stray cat, I’ll do it again.