Lynne Shayko

To The One Struggling With Self-Harm

I want to tell you that your body is a beautiful vessel that holds you, that keeps your pain inside, and keeps you safe.

Look behind yourself and marvel at how you walked through burning coals to land in the grass on the other side.

You know dark nights and beautiful days. You talk to the sun and clouds when loneliness echoes within you.

You’re the kind of girl men fall deeply in love with.

“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.”

Look in the mirror and see someone who is fighting a small war, but still getting out of bed every day and not giving up.

You feel incredibly tired, like you could sleep for days straight. Those fifteen minutes consumed every bit of your strength.

Instead of beating yourself up, laugh. Laugh at all the messiness and awkwardness of you.

I speak quickly, then wait For your cautious response. Your deliberate phrases Are steeped in compassion And brimming with truth.

Grieve the mistakes and wounds of your past.