I think phrases like “I’m sorry” and “thank you” are the most powerful, yet the most overused. I say “thank you” to the barista when I get a morning coffee, I say “thank you” to the cashier when they help check me out at the grocery store, I say “thank you” when people go out of their way for me. I can’t remember when the last time I said thank you to myself was. And when I truly meant it. So today I say thank you.

Thank you for trying to find even a sliver of gratitude in a seemingly thankless time. Thank you for the power behind your words, and for the truth you put behind them. Thank you for reclaiming everything you never thought you’d be able to do again, and doing it for yourself: Thank you for holding anxiety’s hands when it comes to you full force. Thank you for not turning cold in a world that was bitter to you. Thank you for remaining kind when all you’ve known is abuse and judgment. Thank you for being a warm smile on a winter’s day. Thank you for putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how small the step. Thank you for buying the fancy shampoo and doing your hair when you don’t feel like it because you let it be a mess the first half of the week. Thank you for not judging yourself – because maybe that’s what you needed at the time. Thank you for holding on – even if by the tiniest thread. And thank you for never giving up.