Things We Forget

I found resilience in the way I’ve rebuilt myself—over and over, every time the world has burned me down.

I found hope in the fact that my heart still beats even when it’s broken.

I found strength in the word “yet.” I’m not there yet. I haven’t healed yet. It keeps me going.

I found my first laugh after depression like a spark in the dark. I guard it fiercely now.

I found hope in strangers’ stories—proof that pain isn’t the end of anyone’s narrative.

I found resilience when I stopped chasing perfection and started embracing progress.

I found hope in music—lyrics that said what I could not.

I found strength in remembering that healing isn’t linear. It’s messy and miraculous.

I found hope in a note I wrote myself: “You’ve survived worse.” This will never not be true, hopefully.

I found courage in the mirror after crying all night. My eyes were swollen, but I was still there.