Hey there, I’m Chris! Welcome to the Rock Bottom Rising community—I’m really glad you’re here. This space is all about sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between. I’ll be opening up about my own journey, along with stories, tools, and resources that have helped me push through tough times. My hope is that you’ll find the support, strength, and inspiration you need to rise above life’s challenges. We’re in this together!

Recently, I was hit with a sudden and intense gastrointestinal illness that knocked me off my feet for a full 24 hours. I couldn’t even get out of bed, let alone leave the house. I had to call in sick to work, miss the company holiday party, and eat the cost of a hotel room I had booked for the night. In the past, I would have been wracked with guilt for missing work—feeling like I had to justify how sick I was or worrying that no one would believe me. I’d stress about my coworkers having to cover for me and feel torn about skipping the party, even though I was completely wiped out.

But here’s what I’ve come to understand: life throws curveballs, and sometimes, you just have to sit one out. No matter how well you take care of yourself, illness can strike without warning. And that’s perfectly normal. There’s no need to pile guilt on top of feeling physically unwell. In fact, that guilt and stress can slow down your recovery, make you irritable, and strain your relationships at work and at home.

The best thing you can do is give yourself permission to rest and heal. When you’re ready, ease back into your routine without any lingering guilt. We’re all human, and it’s essential to show ourselves the same kindness and understanding we’d offer to someone else in our shoes.

-CP

Table of Contents

• How to Reignite Your Passion and Purpose After a S …

• Resource Spotlight

  • Practical Tools for Managing Mental Health

• Community Spotlight

• Weekly Inspiration

• Crisis Resources

• Next Week

• Mental Break

• Last Word

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s losing a job, facing a failed relationship, dealing with health issues, or experiencing personal disappointments, we all encounter moments that shake our confidence and dim our sense of purpose. But here’s the good news: setbacks don’t have to define us. In fact, they can be powerful catalysts for growth and transformation. If you’re feeling stuck or disconnected from your passion, here’s how you can reignite that spark and move forward with renewed purpose.

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Emotions
The first step in moving past a setback is acknowledging the emotions that come with it. It’s okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even angry. Suppressing these feelings only prolongs the healing process. Give yourself permission to grieve your losses and sit with your emotions. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up—it means recognizing where you are so you can begin to move forward.

2. Reflect on Your Journey
Take some time to reflect on what happened and why. What lessons can you learn from this experience? How has it shaped your perspective? Sometimes, setbacks reveal areas where we need to grow or redirect our energy. By understanding the situation, you can gain valuable insights that help you avoid similar pitfalls in the future.

3. Reconnect with Your “Why”
When life throws us off course, it’s easy to lose sight of why we started in the first place. Take a moment to reconnect with your core values and passions. What brings you joy? What drives you? Revisit old hobbies, revisit your goals, and think about what makes you feel fulfilled. Reconnecting with your “why” can help reignite the passion that setbacks may have dulled.

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Jumping straight back into big plans can feel overwhelming after a setback. Instead, start small. Set achievable, short-term goals that help you rebuild your confidence and momentum. Celebrate each small victory—they’re stepping stones to bigger accomplishments.

5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Community plays a crucial role in healing and growth. Surround yourself with friends, family, or mentors who uplift and encourage you. Share your struggles and successes with people who believe in your potential. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a kind word is all it takes to reignite your motivation.

6. Embrace Change and Adaptability
Setbacks often force us to adapt and change our plans. Instead of resisting change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Life rarely follows a straight path, and detours can lead to unexpected and beautiful destinations. Flexibility allows you to pivot when necessary and find new ways to pursue your passions.

7. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself throughout this process. Setbacks can trigger self-doubt and negative self-talk, but it’s important to treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend. Recognize your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself that growth takes time.

8. Visualize Your Future
Take time to visualize what you want your future to look like. Imagine yourself achieving your goals and living with purpose. Visualization can be a powerful motivator, helping you stay focused on what’s possible rather than dwelling on past setbacks.

9. Take Action, Even When It’s Hard
Sometimes, the hardest part is simply getting started. Take one small step each day toward your goals, even if you don’t feel ready. Action creates momentum, and momentum reignites passion. Trust that each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your purpose.

10. Celebrate Your Resilience
Finally, recognize the strength it takes to rise after a setback. Every challenge you overcome adds to your resilience and shapes your journey. Celebrate your courage and determination, and use it as fuel to keep moving forward.

Setbacks are not the end of your story—they’re just a chapter. With time, reflection, and action, you can reignite your passion and purpose, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. You’ve got this!

What's your story?

Share your experience by emailing [email protected].

Your story can inspire others and remind them they're not alone.

Transforming Through Adversity: A Personal Journey of Rebuilding

Life always presents us with two paths to choose from. The first—succumbing to despair—seems like the easier option, and though many choose it, there’s no judgment. The second, and far more challenging path, is deciding to rise, to “shake off the dust,” and break free from the chains that weigh us down. For me, after facing my own hardships, I chose the second path.

Rebuilding myself was no easy feat. I had no one to rely on except for my solitude, which, over time, became my source of strength and confidence. The journey began with a crucial decision: to distance myself from those who brought negativity into my life. With a fresh perspective, I embarked on a journey of re-discovery. It’s surprising how little we truly know ourselves until life forces us to confront challenges.

Through this process, I realized how many dreams I had neglected, waiting for the right moment to flourish. I discovered that I had the potential to breathe life into those dreams. As Stephen Covey wisely said, “There are three constants in life—change, choice, and principles.” For me, the time for change had arrived. But change is never easy; it’s riddled with obstacles. That’s when knowing where to focus your energy becomes crucial.

With unwavering dedication, I set out to make my dreams a reality. I shifted my focus from what I didn’t have to what I already possessed—time, relationships, and the potential for growth. I began to prioritize my goals, both personal and professional, and although the path was not without its difficulties, I kept moving forward.

Life, when you stay true to yourself, has a way of surprising you. I call these surprises “miracles”—moments that inspire you to do your best. I was fortunate enough to experience one such miracle, which marked the beginning of my transformation. From that point on, there was no turning back.

Two years have passed since that turning point. Every day, I continue to work on my priorities with the same energy and commitment. Some goals are still a work in progress, while others I’ve successfully achieved. Problems continue to arise, but I’ve learned that transformation is all about focus and energy. These two elements have been the foundation of my progress in both my personal and professional life.

A few life lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• Never let anyone control your life. Keep the remote control safely in your hands.

• If you’re an emotional person, embrace it, but ensure you also have a logical foundation to protect your interests.

• Never ignore the people who have supported you through the hardest times.

• A fulfilling career is important, but never forget your passions. Follow your heart.

• Never lose hope. Even when things seem lost, hope is the one thing that can spark transformation.

I’m not an expert, but my hard-won lessons have taught me enough to share these reflections. I hope they resonate with you.

As I sign off, I leave you with a thought-provoking quote from Socrates:

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy—not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

May this thought inspire you as you build your own path forward.

-RS

A Young Survivor's Resilience Amidst Tragedy

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that recently swept through Los Angeles, a heart-wrenching story has emerged about a 10-year-old blind boy who lost his home. Despite the overwhelming challenges, his journey highlights the strength of the human spirit and the power of community support.

To create a supportive community that provides hope, resources, and guidance for individuals recovering from life's lowest points, helping them rebuild and rediscover their strength through shared experiences and practical support.

Millions of people, from all walks of life and corners of the globe, have either hit, are hitting, or will eventually hit rock bottom at some point in their journey.

But what does hitting rock bottom really mean? While some might label it a midlife crisis, the truth is, each person’s experience is different. For some, it could be an intense battle with depression or other mental health challenges. For others, it might be a devastating financial crisis. It could be a relationship falling apart beyond repair, or struggling with an addiction that feels impossible to break free from. It might be the crushing grief of an unexpected loss. Often, it's a mix of these struggles, piling on top of each other.

Here’s what’s coming in next week’s newsletter.

• Building Boundaries: Protecting Your Peace Without Guilt

Thanks so much for sticking with me until the end—I truly appreciate you being here! I hope something I shared today hit home or offered some value. If you have any feedback, thoughts, or a story of your own to share, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to drop me a line anytime at [email protected].

Your support means the world and is what helps this community grow. If you know someone who might benefit from this content, please share it with them! They can subscribe here: rockbottomrising.com/subscribe.

Together, we rise. 💛

-CP