I love this picture because it reminds me of what I’m good at, and when you have anxiety and/or depression, you’ll take any positive reminder you can get. This reminds me that I’m good with kids, and that my advocacy, as difficult as it continues to be, has helped many of them in many ways. I needed to see this picture today to remind myself that, although some days I can’t even begin to think of advocacy, it’s important I continue to do it for this little girl who can’t speak out for herself. It’s important for my friends and for strangers who don’t feel like they can or don’t want to share... because they deserve to be seen too. Today I am advocating for mental health, and the importance of reminding yourself you’re more than the hardships in front of you. I have found that because of my health, I am REALLY in tune with my emotions and I am always aware of how I’m feeling. Whatever emotions I might be having, I feel them very very deeply and openly. With that being said, the thoughts I have had about myself lately have been very negative, and while I’m really good at reminding others why they’re amazing and loved and appreciated, I often forget that I’m allowed to remind myself of the things that make me a good person too. It’s so easy to see the best in everyone else around you, and I’m the first to admit I love to tell my friends how great they are, but it’s admittedly exhausting to show everyone else they’re loved for who they truly are when you feel loved for all the wrong reasons. I’ve spent a lot of time recently telling friends I wish they could see themselves the way I do, but I can never stop putting myself down and wishing I was different than the way I am. I think that’s because we view ourselves in such negative light, and we constantly think we aren’t worthy of the love we receive. I wish I could talk to/about myself the way I constantly talk to my friends. I wish I could remind myself that I’m special because of who I am and not because of what I’ve gone through... and one day I’ll get there. For now this is your reminder to give yourself some grace, and know that you’re so much more than you let yourself believe. 💜