You've Taught me 8 Things,

1. Time truly can heal wounds.

But only if in those times of healing we are caring for the emotions that are still raw.

We must give them what they need to heal,

without leaving a scar.

2. 2015 told me that “It is okay to ask for help, but no one can do it for you.”

2016 kept this in mind,

and I continued to find help when I needed it.

I found strength in my friends,

My family,

In books,

And mental health professionals

I am learning to not be ashamed of this,

Mental health providers are the best teachers of life,

Of love, of compassion, and strength.

3. It is never too late. There will always be time to change.

Time is simply a measure of heartbeats and appointments

But it will never be a measure of love,

it will never be a measure of growth.

We all love in our own time,

And love will find us when we are ready

Never compare your life to others’.

4. It is in our breath that we will find life.

Over 7 billion people are living on this earth,

but many are not truly alive.

True life comes through the embodiment of love,

understanding,

and compassion.

Our breath is not just an automatic function,

But proof

Proof of the possibilities life has to offer

Of infinite love and beauty

Of strength and mindfulness

Your breath will never be simply a breath,

For it is much, much more.

5. Life was not meant to be taken on alone

As Adam had Eve, we all need someone

Romantic or not, relationships are necessary for survival

Never take someone’s presence for granted.

Always embrace the love you are given,

And give all the love you can.

There is no such thing as too much love.

6. Embrace rough drafts.

Everything we do is only a sketch,

only an outline of what is left to come

There is much more to experience

The world is always changing

No matter your age you can always adapt to your surroundings.

7. Knowledge is endless,

There will always be more to learn,

There will always be a counter argument to your ideas

So study them, challenge your own thoughts

Make the foundation of your life stronger

8. Throw away expectations.

In each moment stay open.

Absorb everything someone else does,

everything they say,

everything they need you to do - whether that is expressed through words or not

As long as you utilize limitless compassion your relationships will thrive

Attributions drawn by ignorant assumptions are toxic

Everyone has their own thoughts,

Their own life

Their own struggles

Never assume, only provide love and support

Assumptions create tensions, conflicts

Ask and you shall receive.