Page 46 - AVN June 2020

EDENBLAKE
‘Neither success nor struggle can
be taken with us when we die’
ON
MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
The game is changing again, have you noticed?
I haven’t personally had a news outlet since
May 2019—I decided it was time to forsake all
mainstream social media and join up with AVN
Stars. I haven’t looked back, I don’t regret it and
I still hear what’s going on.
It’s been tempting to read the news more again,
what with misinformation running rampant and the
narrow scope and capacity of most people who
give it their undivided, dedicated, almost-religious
attention. What the future holds has always been
anyone’s guess. I can’t off er solutions for anyone
else, let alone myself ... what worked for me in the
past isn’t even optional now. I can’t go strip for fast
cash if I need to, or even advise it anymore.
What I can off er, unfortunately, is experience
with loss and isolation. I know I’m not the only
one who’s ever struggled ... I also know I’ve
come out of my struggles with my mental and
emotional fortitude and my integrity not only
intact but strengthened. Losing all my success,
progress and possessions more times than I can
count—didn’t break me, or turn me into a piece
of shit. Being homeless, living out of my vehicle
and stripping to survive, for over a year and a
half straight—didn’t break me, or turn me into
a piece of shit. Nor did spending accumulative
years isolated in my various sublet rooms to
avoid the many random sketch roommates I’ve
lived with. I think my point is made and I’m not
about to indulge the shitty details of my life. I just
wanted to clarify that I’m coming from a place of
fi rst-hand knowledge.
It’s been blowing my mind lately, how much
almost a decade of struggling now feels like
practice and a head-start. It’s also been pretty
trippy that being an introvert and a hermit are now
an advantage ... I don’t want it to be like this for
anyone. It is not my intention to diminish or negate
anyone’s reality or suff ering with this article. Allow
me to dispense the mindsets that have helped
me keep my head on straight, in hopes that they
will help someone else.Philosophy Class with
Professor Blake—is in session ... pay attention
class!
First of all, breathe ... and please for the love of all
things holy, turn off the TV if you haven’t. I need you
all to remember something crucial: your quality of life
(both internal and external) and that of those around
you. Neither success nor struggle can be taken with
us when we die. Inner contentment matters, right
now. Right NOW is all we have.
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