Grateful to be Me via /r/gratitude

I am grateful to be myself.

I grew up surrounded by pain rather than love. I had every reason to hate people, to hate the world, and to lash out. But somehow, I never lost that sense of childlike wonder and love for the world. I still see it in vibrant colours and find myself enamoured by the smallest things -even dust is beautiful to me. I'm grateful to be able to give the love I barely received.

I care for even the smallest animals. Whether it's trying to save an injured pigeon, giving a thirsty cat water, bringing a bee to flowers to help it rejuvenate, or catching and releasing bugs when others would kill them. I am grateful for my compassion.

I used to think that to be strong and brave, I could have no place for weakness or fear. But as I grow, I realise that I am growing strong because I have been weak. And I am becoming brave because I have been afraid. I'm grateful for my development.

And I'm glad for every year I make it past the day I thought I'd end it all, because every year is another year that I have to create so much more love and joy in my life. I didn't think I would make it into adulthood, and I would have an attempt once I turned 18, if not for a safety plan I implemented without any help – because I didn't have anyone. But here I am, 6 years on. And I'm grateful that I saved myself.

It's not often I truly sit and appreciate myself, but today, I felt I should.