I don’t know who needs to hear it (I know I probably did at one point or another)

You do not owe any explanation for the way that you show up in the world and how you choose to live your life. Let go of the need for external validation and acceptance and figure out how to find those things within yourself. Stop living for other people and live for you and you alone. I cannot even tell you how many times in my life I put other people’s opinions, beliefs, and needs before my own. I felt so low within myself that I sought out validation and acceptance from other people just so that I could feel some kind of sense of worth in my life. I could not give worth to myself and in turn created a mess of toxic habits, zero boundaries, risky behaviors, and just self-neglect overall.

What I did not understand is that I had to CHOOSE to build a relationship with myself – to learn about myself. I had to decide to actively work on myself and my quality of life simply because I deserve to be happy and healthy; I deserve to live a fulfilling life. YOU DESERVE to have a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. You do not have to change yourself for other people’s validation and acceptance – showing up as your authentic self will attract the people that are meant to be in your life, people that support and aid in your growth and happiness.

Do not hide yourself, allow yourself to be seen and heard as you are. Give yourself the space to grow without fear of change or fear of judgment – embrace the process. If I’ve learned anything along the way, I’ve learned that no one is going to come and heal the parts of myself that have been chipped away over time. No one is going to cure my mental illness or will get rid of the past that lingers in my brain. I have to be my own motivator – deciding to help rebuild the things that were broken down at the hands of other people because I deserve to feel whole. I should feel loved and supported – but I cannot expect such things from other people when I cannot give it to myself.

Regardless of if it’s admitted or not, everyone has their own things that they are going through. Take responsibility for the life that you live and seek help when you need it. Keep in mind that no one is going to “fix” anything for you, but it’s beneficial to have support and help along the way. It all starts with you. Live your life, fill your own cup, and do whatever makes you happy (as long as you’re not hurting yourself or others). Become the version of yourself you’ve always wanted to be. Blood, sweat, and tears will be shed (you get the idea) – but you are safe, and you are supported, you will make it through to the end. 

Give yourself grace, love, patience, and exist just because you can. I believe in you, I’m glad you’re here and I hope you find whatever it is that you’re looking for.

• I’m in your corner.