She was shedding skin, out in the light of the moon. She knows when things don’t feel quite right, she knows when it’s time to focus back on the things that make her feel alive.

Share your story, but only when you are ready.

Just be honest, I am working on myself because I need to. There is no shame in prioritizing the things you need. Anyone who can’t accept this isn’t good for you anyway.

She knows love isn’t always taking photos kissing on kitchen countertops, or roses when she’s feeling down. It’s arguing over things that seem unnecessary but eventually coming back around. It’s healing after every disagreement and knowing you’ll make the long road together.

I feel like I am sinking back into the soil, while everyone continues to grow, sprouting new buds and blooming, long before I can feel my roots.

Even if they aren’t the best habits, they can still be broken. Create better habits for yourself, ones that remind you to feel alive.

Balance is giving to others and being grateful when others give to you.

It’s how you see yourself and the expectations you set. When you expect too much from yourself, you begin to doubt the things you can do. When you base your idea of perfection around ideas that aren’t achievable, you begin to believe you are not worthy. But if you stop expecting so much of yourself and set small, achievable goals, you begin to find courage, even on the darkest days.

There were moments after we ended things, I thought you would come back through the door. But late one night, lying awake staring at the ceiling, I realized all my energy, I would give no more. I am better now, the scars still show, but I am healing instead of feeling so low. I’ve grown patient with my feelings, learned to let go, years from now I’ll be so happy, and you won’t even know.

Self-care is messy. It is sometimes easy and other times difficult. But it’s about continuation. Continue to look after yourself.

And sometimes

it’s watching the same episode

over and over again

because it makes her feel better

I am not going to be or act a certain way for anyone. I am who I am, and I am going to embrace it. Not everyone will like me, but the most important thing is that I love me, all my parts, working together, all that makes me whole.

She has told you before how hurt she has been. How she has felt fragile and vulnerable with no one to pick up the pieces. She has told you that she cannot survive in between being loved or not loved enough. She has told you that she is all or nothing. So, if you respect her, you will not use her heart.