I think the only reason I am alive today is because of the people that I have in my life. The people that helped me get through my past trauma and depression. The people that have opened their hearts to me. The people that have shown acts of kindness and compassion when it was needed the most. I am definitely grateful for the people I currently have in my life, even if the people in the past that have helped me are no longer in it.

When I was hospitalized on a psychiatric hold after my suicide attempt, I met some of the met best people there. The kindest, most understanding people. None of us wanted to be there but we knew it was for the best. The nurses and doctors weren’t always the best, but the patients are what made the weekend stay bearable. Even though we don’t see each other anymore, we still keep in touch and check up on one another now and then. I am extremely grateful for them. I wouldn’t have made it through that weekend without them. We all cared for each other, listened, and supported each other unconditionally – a trait that’s rare to find in some people.

I am grateful for all the people in my life – even those that are no longer in my life. I am who I am today because of every experience I’ve had and every interaction I’ve had with every person that I have crossed paths with. Even if I dislike someone or someone has wronged me, I am still grateful for the lesson they taught me. Not everyone will like you, and you won’t always get along with everyone. And that’s okay. You don’t need to be everyone’s friend. You only need a few close people that will love you unconditionally and your world will always be filled with love and support. I’ve learned not to exhaust myself by trying to reach out to people and catch up with them. I hate small talk. And we’re frequently too busy to meet up and have a chat. And that’s okay. Even if we don’t see each other often, I know they’ll still support and love me unconditionally as I do them. There’s a sort of unspoken agreement between my close friends and I where even though we don’t talk often, and we only see each other maybe once a year, we know we’ll always be there for each other no matter what happens. There’s no need for anymore than that. I am grateful for them and their understanding. The common saying that you’ll have less friends as you get older is true. People get busy, people change as they grew. And that’s okay. You don’t need to be friends with everyone. Just be grateful for the people you have crossed paths with at some point and be extremely grateful for the people who continue to stay in your life.