Photo by Feyza Yıldırım
Anthoney’s Return from Hell is not only a story of redemption but a tale of finding purpose after suffering. Returning from hell is great work, but healing is greater.
Life is a great game; it has its highs and lows, and we’ve all probably wanted a chance to do a do-over or take back a move here and there. And like a great game, we experience a variety of emotions as we go through life: joy and sorrow, hope and despair, triumph and failure.
And like a game, sometimes, we encounter challenging moments that leave us lost, broken, and uncertain about where to go from there. These moments leave some of us questioning our purpose, doubting our own self-worth, and feeling a lot like the strings have been cut and we’re now just dangling in life. This is a common experience, especially in this topsy-turvy world we find ourselves in.
That’s why I think it’s important to share our thoughts and perspectives on these kinds of things. I’ve also had my fair share of adversity and moments of extreme doubt. This usually happens after going through heavy periods of deep darkness and suffering. Sometimes, it felt like I was returning from hell: I felt like I wanted to just end it all, throw away my dreams, and let everything pass me by.
Yet, despite the many times I’ve let myself down or found that the world has, I can’t help but stand back up. There is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of movement that reignites my spirit, helping me in finding purpose after suffering.
Returning from Hell
Finding purpose after suffering always begins with introspection and self-discovery. When you feel like you’re returning from hell, it’s important to confront your fears, your insecurities, and whatever negativity that’s weighing you down.
When you acknowledge the pain and the suffering you’ve endured, you allow yourself to grieve what you experienced. This makes way for healing.
Of course, it is easier said than done, but no one said it would be easy. You will experience countless sleepless nights filled with tears, and sometimes, you will even find yourself teetering on the edge of extreme despair. But true healing won’t happen when you don’t face your demons head-on.
When I was navigating the negativity that was abundant inside me, I learned how to be grateful and to be thankful. The only reason why I was filled with such negativity was because I deliberately focused on them.
When I began to hone in on the other things, especially the things that I was thankful for, the negativity inside me vanished a bit. I’m not sure if it all will ever go away, but for a moment, I felt lighter, like my whole life was, again, in front of me.
No matter how small or insignificant, it is important to appreciate them as they are. This helps us grow more thankful for the bigger things: the beauty of nature, the kindness of strangers, and the love of family and friends.
Finding Purpose After Suffering
Once I embraced gratitude, I started to heal. And on the road to healing, you will begin to reignite your interests and passion for life. You will return to those activities and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Little by little, you will grow again.
When you pursue your wishes and achieve your goals, you begin to feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Finding purpose after suffering is not a linear journey. It is a continuous process of growth and discovery, adapting to whatever lies in front of you. There will be ups and downs, that is true, but each step you take forward will be a victory.
Never give up on yourself, even if you are returning from the literal hell.
Believe in your strength and resilience, and trust that you have the power to overcome whatever it is that comes your way.
There is no end to finding purpose, so embrace the journey, and you will discover that there is so much meaning in life–more than we would ever hope to comprehend fully in our lives.
Anthoney’s Return from Hell is a fun romp, but it’s also a surprisingly apt tale about returning from hell and finding purpose after suffering.
The Happy Hammock 