dissonance

healing
 requires humility.

it’s not about finding
 the right friend
 lover
 or therapist 
who perfectly validates 
your story of suffering—

it’s about finding people
 who challenge you
 & tell you things you
 don’t want to hear because
 they love you.

love sometimes requires
 going against the grain
 of comfort.

cognitive dissonance
 is a prerequisite.

have the utmost respect
& compassion for yourself 
yet
 refuse to cast yourself
 in a tragedy
 in which you are a victim
 alone
 unique
 & misunderstood.

above all 
know that no matter how much it hurts
you have a choice.

your life
 is in your
 own hands.

there will always be things 
beyond your control.

your mind will always be
 tempted to cast itself
 in the perfect drama.

stay rooted in the belief
 that you can be well
 even if
 (especially if)
 you don’t feel like it now.

you must face your greatest fear: 
accepting your power to become
 who you truly are.