When I'm down and out on my luck, when the world won't stop spinning because of my anxiety, or when I feel as though I'm failing everyone around me, I still find it in myself to be grateful for my experiences and the world around me. And no, not in a sympathetic way like "I'm thankful because I have it better than ____". I am simply thankful for where I'm at in my life now, the people who surround me, and how much I have progressed.

The experiences I have gone through have shaped me into the person I am today. Though many have been traumatic or will stick with me for years, they have made me stronger. They have made me more appreciative of happy and peaceful moments in my life. Though there were times when my anxiety would spin out of control, there have been plenty of moments where I was convinced I would never be unhappy ever again. The good and the bad have made me stronger as a whole. Even though sometimes I tell myself I had wish this or that scenario had never happened, in the end, I am thankful because it had taught me a lesson that I will keep with me.

I have been blessed with many people in my life. Whether they were permanent or temporary, I will always cherish them for this or that. They have taught me lessons, loved and appreciated me, etc. I can't be mad at those who choose to no longer be apart of my life. It is not up to me. The friends I have now are all lovely to me. They are beautiful to me and keep my spirits high. I cannot imagine life without them. We all are equally thankful for one another. They understand me more than anyone else has.

I have taught myself to be grateful no matter how much I get down. It's simply a small milestone in my life. I have struggled with mental health issues my whole life, and I believe by being able to say that I'm grateful for what I have means that I have come very far from where I once was. I still give myself time to grieve, mourn, and stress every once in awhile, but for the most part I am able to come out of anxiety attacks and mental breakdowns a little bit stronger than before.