In many aspects of my life I find myself thinking, “How can I say this in a way that sounds positive?” Whether I’m speaking to crowds about CF, doing a project for school, telling someone at the pharmacy I work at that their medicine needs a prior authorization, or breaking news to my younger siblings, this question comes up often. How can I rephrase this or explain the situation while keeping it light and positive? The truth is, no matter how awful a situation is there is always light somewhere. The past couple of weeks in particular, I am having a hard time finding that light. Nevertheless I must try. So today I come to you with ways I have turned a bad day around and found moments to celebrate positivity. 

I know several of you can relate to the feeling of grief and loss when something doesn’t go the way you feel is best. Despite my fear for what could lie in the years ahead, I’ve found hope in my communities. Most of you know I tend to talk a LOT about how valuable our community here with Breathe Bravely is, and that has never wavered. There is a reason I always bring it up, no matter how hard of a time I am having you all are always there. Whether it is a vocal warm up or seeing one of you post on Facebook, it’s guaranteed to brighten my day. I’m very fortunate to have you all, and I’m also so lucky to find value in other communities too. I am a proud member of the LGTBQ+ community and I’m seeking so much comfort from that community right now. I’ve been lucky enough to connect with my other queer friends in my local area, even though in these rural mountains we are far and few between. I also find friends online through apps like TikTok, where I’ve seen queer musicians writing songs about what we are collectively going through. Breathe Bravely taught me there is no feeling quite like the feeling of being seen. Despite all the hardship, my communities bring me hope and comfort. That light is bright enough to shine through everything in the darkness. 

I had a particularly dark night this month, and even though it was difficult I found the light that brought me to the morning. I attended an event with my girlfriend and while I was invited to attend a five course meal served by renowned chefs, black tie attire required. Once I arrived I found myself being told to sit in a room alone with takeout from a local Italian restaurant. I was heartbroken. I was told I was an honoree that would get to have the experience of speaking to the attendees. I also performed during the cocktail hour, and my performance was interrupted multiple times by various disorganization that occurred. I was treated with no respect or kindness, even though it had been communicated to me very clearly what would happen at the event. As I sat in that small room alone with my girlfriend while the dinner party raged on next door, I decided to leave. I hoped to have a fun night at a fancy dinner, something that is not an everyday occurrence for me, but instead I was met with unprofessionalism and disrespect. It was hard to decide to leave but I was determined to turn the night around. We kindly made someone aware that we were leaving, and we went to the nearest grocery store to stock up on snacks and ice cream. We went back to the hotel that the event management team reserved for us, which I greatly appreciated. We sat on the fluffy hotel bed in cozy clothes, each tore through a whole pint of ice cream, and watched Saturday Night Live. Despite all the anger and pain I had felt, I knew that a simple sweet treat and tv show would help the night end on a positive note. 

The next day my girlfriend posted photos from the event and the caption was, “The craziness of life is better with you. Thanks for always reminding me to make the most of every moment❤️” This is exactly what I strive to do, make the most of every moment. It’s important to allow space for those negative feelings, you have to process them after all. Once I work through those feelings whether it is a good cry or a venting session, the next step is to find a way to make the moment better. How will you find the moment to turn your bad day into a good one? Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping outside to take a deep breath and take in the sky. Sometimes it’s eating ice cream in a hotel room, either way let’s make the most of it.