December 9

When the memories of what didn’t work out stand tall within your mind, and when the feeling that you’re going backwards weighs heavily on your heart, I hope you can remember the subtle ways in your life that you are not who you were before. I hope you can remember something—even if it’s just the smallest glimpse—that reminds you, “I’m not who I used to be, and that is a beautiful thing.”

Even if you aren’t completely fearless, but you’re a little less afraid, that matters. Even if you’re still learning when to say “no,” but you said “no” that one time, this is still growth. Even when you gave your all to something but wish you could’ve done more, this is true: seeds were still sown, and there will still be room to grow.

Words to repeat to yourself today:

“When past experiences make it difficult to approach something new without fear, I remind myself that even in subtle ways, I am not the same person I was before, as I have grown and learned from those experiences. I will hold on to this as I carry onward, day by day.”