Things I began learning in the last 10 years
Learning to be kind and gentle with myself has been only one of the many things I began learning in the last 10 years.
- That it's ok to say no
- That self care for me means getting enough sleep, spending time alone, spending time in nature, reading, writing, and cooking
- To be honest with myself about my health issues, and in turn, honest with other people about them
- That it's not a moral failing on my part that I'm fat, and that there is nothing wrong with my body for being fat
- That diet culture is toxic as fuck to everyone
- To prioritize my feelings, my mental health, and my own well being
- That I can be loved and cared for by an intimate partner, and I won't be abandoned when things get tough
- What it feels like to be loved
- I can make my own family
- That I can't fight every fight that I want to, and have to rely on others, even if that means being disappointed
- That it's my job to actively fight racism
- It's ok that I don't want to chase success and climb the ladders placed in front of me
- It's ok to quit something that no longer fits what I want in my life
- It's ok to change - my mind, my body, my life
- To be kind and gentle with myself
- That the complicated feelings I've had about my gender and sexuality are totally valid
- That I don't have to keep everything that I'm given
- That there is no common map for what a happy and successful life looks like - I get to make my own map
- To take the time I need
- That I have so much more to learn...