It’s been a struggle from the moment I acknowledged my addiction, my need to feel relief in the shape of scars that now seem like an old, faded memory of my darkest moments- and I’ve dealt with more emotions than a tissue full of tears, there’s never a moment when I’m truly on the path to happiness, if I’m honestly speaking on behalf of my broken spirit in general. As glad as I am to have escaped this unhealthy addiction, I also feel empty in comparison to most. I never destroyed myself for the sake of attention, or the common things people think of or associate with in terms of when others speak of self-destructive coping methods; such as self-harm etc. The moment I did it, I knew I’d be a long way from not doing it again, yet here I am, two years clean from the relief I thought I needed to bring upon myself. I thought I needed to inflict this on myself, as if struggles were a sin, as if feeling blue was a reason to hurt myself. I now realize that the pain I went through helped me become stronger, even though at times I feel like the weakest person alive. I also found clarity, after years of being stuck in a rut of darkness and endless misery. Stopping yourself from doing it, doesn’t stop your mind from thinking about it 24/7, it just means you have enough willpower to not let yourself fall like you did in the past. Whether it’s been a day, a week, a month, a year; the pain is still as raw and personal as it would be. It’s okay to have an off-day, but it’s always good to remember that you are more than your personal demons or addictions, you are a human being who deserves more from life; more happiness, more love, more life in yours in general. Don’t let your struggles define you, you’re worth more than you think. I’m probably a hypocrite for saying this, but I wouldn’t wish it on anyone to feel so low that you feel the need to hurt yourself. There are so many coping methods you could try; write your heart out, paint what you feel, just don’t think that you need to feel pain in order to cope. It’s the same with a lot of other things. So whether you’re depressed, dealing with anxiety, or even self-harm, remember that you are breathing for a reason, that all these obstacles are simply a test, you’ll get through it one way or another. I believe in you.