2 years ago
121
13
I get gratitude wrong many times, and it leads to a big imposter syndrome. I’ve somehow convinced myself I grew up lonely, and that it was the motivating factor behind my dark chapters of depression and self-harm. I somehow became trapped in that victim mindset, partly due to making my dark moments part of my story, and using it to connect with others. Recently, a buddy’s wife heard my classic story of feeling like my invite was always lost in the mail as a kid. She asked me if I truly felt like my childhood was lonely. Unfortunately, up until that point, I had convinced myself the answer was yes, but the question made me second-guess myself. My friend Willie then said, “You’re not giving enough credit to your friends.” This made me realize that despite how I felt as a kid, and how much gratitude I hope to infuse in my relationships, I probably wasn’t giving enough credit to the people closest to me. Despite having grown up feeling lonely and left out as a child, it was only through my perspective and self-doing. I have absolutely incredible friends and they have been there through thick and thin. I somehow lost sight of that. I started focusing more on trying to “fix” what I convinced myself was broken, rather than appreciating the abundance of what I already have, most pointedly some amazing relationships. I couldn't be more grateful, truly, to have such a fantastic community filled with loved ones that I care deeply for and who I know care about me. And it's important to remind myself of that, every single day. #Community #Gratitude #Friendship #Relationships #Belonging
💚
2 years ago
Well your my friend and so is Molly! 😊
2 years ago
This is good Chris. You have people, #1 your parents, #2 Molly and #3 countless friends/community.
2 years ago
Exactly.
2 years ago
You are loved my friend ❤️
2 years ago
❤️❤️❤️
2 years ago
❤️❤️❤️
2 years ago
I wonder if all teens (or most) have a period of feeling alone? I know I did. If I was more mature or thoughtful would have I realized I had it good, relatively? Probably. But that doesn’t take away from my personal take. The beautiful part is you realized you had both: teen strife and friends that got you through. ❤️
2 years ago
❤️❤️❤️
2 years ago
Chris Schembra you are one Amazing Human in our beautiful world.. Sending you lotsaaa love…
2 years ago