Grateful for finally feeling like myself again via /r/gratitude

This morning I was walking to work, coffee in one hand, backpack sliding off my shoulder like always, and I just… noticed the air. The crisp fall air actually felt good. For the first time in what feels like forever, I wasn’t overthinking, I wasn’t replaying old mistakes, I wasn’t planning the next ten steps of my day. I was just… there.

A year ago, I couldn’t even get out of bed without a pit in my stomach. I felt like life was happening at me, not with me. But today I realized I’ve slowly built little routines that keep me afloat, texting a friend every morning, journaling even when it’s just “I feel tired,” and saying yes to small things like going for a walk when I’d normally cancel.

It’s not some dramatic Hollywood turnaround, but damn, I’m grateful. Grateful for the tiny wins stacking up. Grateful for the version of me that didn’t give up. And grateful that I can finally take a deep breath and actually mean it.

If you’re in that dark place right now, please know it can shift, even if it’s painfully slow. One day you’ll catch yourself smiling at nothing, and it’ll hit you, you’re healing.

Thanks for letting me share. 💙