Maybe

It’s funny how life unfolds, isn't it? There were so many moments, stretching across what felt like an eternity, where simply existing was the biggest victory. I remember those days vividly, when survival was the only goal. Every ounce of energy went into just getting through to the next moment, the next day. Sometimes, looking back, it's hard to reconcile that past self with who I am now. But as the poem hints, I'm slowly learning to look back with something close to compassion for that person, for those months that stretched into years. For anyone who's been there, in that long season of just surviving, you know what I mean. It’s a lonely place, and it demands everything from you. But what I've discovered on my journey is that even in those darkest times, something was quietly being built within me – resilience, strength, a deeper understanding of myself. It's what ultimately held me together long enough to reach the life I actually live today. Cultivating profound gratitude for survival isn't an overnight switch. For me, it started with small moments of acknowledgment. Acknowledging that I made it. Acknowledging the tiny sparks of joy or peace that broke through the clouds. It's about shifting the narrative from 'I just barely survived' to 'I survived, and look at all I learned, look at all I am now because of it.' This shift takes time, and it definitely involves a lot of self-care and reflection. I've found immense comfort in journaling and, yes, even writing little poems like the one in the original post. It's a way to process, to honor the journey, and to speak kindly to your future self who will one day look back with a different perspective. Don't underestimate the power of simply writing down three things you're grateful for each day, no matter how small. It could be the warmth of your coffee, a quiet moment, or even just the fact that you woke up. These small practices accumulate, slowly building a foundation of gratitude. It’s about being grateful for this life – not just the idealized version we might have in our heads, but this imperfect, messy, beautiful life we've been given. Embracing the journey, scars and all, has been incredibly freeing. So, if you're still in the thick of survival, know that there's a future you, full of compassion and gratitude, waiting to look back. And if you're past it, take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come. You deserve that compassion and recognition.