I feel like a lot of people are struggling right now. Struggling to cope. Struggling with hope. Struggling with managing their stresses, illnesses, and responsibilities. All things that we accomplish when we feel like this, big and small, deserve celebrating. Here is the poem:

16 Reasons I’m Proud of YOU

I’m proud of you for being real instead of being tough.
I’m proud of you for choosing love, even though things are rough.
I’m proud of you for leaving them behind when you had enough.
I’m proud of you because they said you’d be nothing and you called their bluff.

I’m proud of you for waking up and choosing life today.
I’m proud of you for all the things you did (and did not) choose to say.
I’m proud of you because you were tempted, but stayed sober another day.
I’m proud of you because, when the odds were against you, you found a way.

I’m proud of you because you just brushed off their hate.
I’m proud of you because you were on time, not one minute late.
I’m proud of you because you said yes to that self-care date.
I’m proud of you because, when you thought about leaving us, you chose to wait.

I’m proud of you because you survived your personal hell.
I’m proud of you because you live your life even though you’re unwell.
I’m proud of you because you’ve got a story that you choose to tell.
I’m proud of you because you’ve chosen to live your life and live it well.

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