All The Words That Helped Me Get Through 2017

Grit, and the idea that perseverance matters so much more than talent.

Time, and the fact that it doesn’t have to feel like a limited resource in my life if I don’t allow it to.

No, and the fact that it’s okay and important to say this sometimes when I need a break or when I need to stand up for myself.

Try, and the idea that this is the verb I should be practicing the most in my life.

Goofiness, and how easy it is to keep room for this in my life.

I’m here, and the amount of unbelievable comfort I have felt when someone has said this to me in some form or another.

Backbone, and the fact that wanting to have one has made so many of my decisions so much easier and so much clearer.

Growth, and the idea that none of us are ever done.

Superfluous, because it’s a funny word to say. And because a lot of the things in my life that I worry about are superfluous.

Sorry, and how important it is to say when I’m wrong. And how good it feels later on, even if it feels annoying or sour in the moment.

Books, and the fact that there will always be enough of them in my life.

Let it go, and the fact that I always have the power to do this – to let go of these heavy things (grudges, pain, shame, anger, self-righteousness) instead of insisting on carrying them around with me and allowing them to weigh me down for God knows how long.

Effort, and the idea that it truly does matter.

Good people, and the fact that there are still many of them left in the world, sometimes standing right in front of me.