I didn’t realize how much I’ve grown until I slowed down today. via /r/gratitude

I (24F) was walking home from work and randomly thought about how last year at this exact time I felt like my world was falling apart. I was broke, stuck in a toxic situationship, and constantly crying in my car before going into my shifts.

Now? I’m not perfect and life’s not suddenly magical, but I have a stable job, my own little apartment that I’m actually proud of, and a small circle of people who genuinely care about me. Even silly things like cooking for myself or buying fresh flowers for my table feel like proof that I’m slowly building a life I used to think was impossible.

I’m grateful for the version of me who didn’t give up, even on days she really wanted to. And I’m grateful for the little moments of peace that remind me how far I’ve come.