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Kelly Clarkson's Song 'Dark Side' Shares an Important Reminder About People With Health Challenges

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“Oh oh oh, there’s a place that I know. It’s not pretty there and few have ever gone.

If I show it to you now,
Will it make you run away?

Or will you stay even if it hurts.
Even if I try to push you out,
will you return?

And remind me who I really am.
Please remind me who I really am.

Everybody’s got a dark side.

Do you love me?
Can you love mine?

Nobody’s a picture perfect
But we’re worth it. You know that we’re worth it .
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Like a diamond
From black dust,

It’s hard to know what can become if you give up.

So don’t give up on me, please remind me who I really am.

Everybody’s got a dark side.

Do you love me?
Can you love mine?

Nobody’s a picture perfect
but we’re worth it.
You know that we’re worth it.
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Don’t run away.
Don’t run away.
Just tell me that you will stay.

Promise me you will stay.

Don’t run away.
Don’t run away.

Just promise me you will stay.
Promise me you will stay.
Will you love me? ohh

Everybody’s got a dark side.

Do you love me?
Can you love mine?

Nobody’s a picture perfect,

but we’re worth it. You know that we’re worth it.

Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Don’t run away. Don’t run away.

Don’t run away.
Promise you’ll stay.”

If anyone has heard “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson on the radio and listened closely to the words, Kelly sings about someone who could be dealing with serious health issues, drug use, alcoholism, a recent job loss or even a marriage that’s ended.

When she sings, “Everybody’s got a dark side. Do you love me? Can you love mine? Nobody’s a picture perfect. But we’re worth it. You know that we’re worth it,” it’s a reminder that none of us are immune to life’s challenges and that we’re worth getting to know as a person and in spite of what we have to deal with, we can face it with courage and determination.

Sometimes positive things can come out of a life-altering situation but those who give up easily will never know the outcome until it’s too late and realize they had the inner strength all along to make it through. Those with chronic health issues just want to have the support of family and friends especially if they need an ear to listen. They don’t need put downs, lectures or being blamed for their condition. It’s been heard before and we understand our illnesses well enough that when times get a little difficult, all we want is just a simple hug to uplift our spirits, being told it’s OK to express our feelings or even a simple “hi, just thinking about you.”

Most patients will embrace the days they feel well enough to take on the world or slow things down until their symptoms are under control. They will fight to get better but their loved ones and friends have to remember, “Nobody’s a picture perfect but we’re worth it even with our dark side.”

Photo courtesy of Kelly Clarkson’s Facebook page

Originally published: May 26, 2018
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