You can't solve your life today.

You can't remove certain barriers.

You can't take away all the bad things that make you feel broken or heal all the wounds that hurt or ache.

But you can try to add more good.

You can try to find more ways to build you and connection.

You can try to find things, even if they're small, to help you pile of good grow.

Adding to your pile of good isn't about pretending that hard things don't exist.

It isn't about avoiding painful feelings or over-focusing on gratitude.

It's about reminding yourself that even with pain, there are still reasons to keep fighting. 

That even though your heart is heavy and the world feels dark, there are still opportunities for joy and light, even if they're infrequent and small.

I AFFIRM

I am allowed to hold space for both pain and joy.

I AFFIRM

The good things in my life don't mean the hard ones don't count or matter.

The moments when I feel happy and at peace don't mean the wounds I am carrying no longer exist.

Just because I have a lot to feel grateful for doesn't mean I am not allowed to feel devastated by all the things that have been taken.

I AFFIRM

Just because I am hurting and there are painful pieces to my story doesn't mean there can't or won't also be good things coming.

Just because I want people to see and believe my pain doesn't mean I have to deny all myself joy.

Just because I have suffered and things are different than I'd hoped doesn't mean my life is going to be worthless or doomed or bad.

RISE AND SHINE

NIDHI OHRI