You belong to this world. You are not an outsider in it, you are not unimportant. You are a part of humanity, you have the same rights, the same dignity, the same value as everyone else. You belong here. Don't let anyone convince you of otherwise, don't let your anxiety tell you anything different. You are wanted here. You're not alone.
You can’t save others if you don’t save yourself first. Just like in an airplane, your first put on your oxygen mask, to then help others put theirs on. If you are not well, you cannot help people. You will have no strength left. Take care of yourself first before you care for others.
everyone always talks about setting boundaries with other people, but we need to talk about setting boundaries with yourself. it can be things as simple as, "I'm not going to work past 8 because I need to unwind before bed" or "I'm going to go on a daily walk because it's good for my mental health." But it can also be things like, "I'm not going to talk to this person anymore because it's bad for me" or "I refuse to settle for this because I know my worth." when you learn what is healthy for you and what you want out of this life, embrace it. give yourself guidelines that will help you grow.
maybe if you take a hot shower. cook something. eat a little soup. feel a little sunshine. make something with your hands—it doesn’t have to be big. maybe if you stretch your body and draw a silly little picture and get some rest, the world will feel like something your hands can still hold
If you know someone who speaks dismissively of people working service or retail jobs, please remind them that they are bad.
I remember a customer noticed me studying from a physical anthropology textbook while she was browsing in the bookstore where I worked. She asked me about it and it was clear that I suddenly became “human” to her because I was trying to “better myself.” Like, lady, you’re in this store and want to buy a book. How are you going to get a book if someone isn’t here to sell you a book?
“I didn’t know what to call it, what was happening between us, but I liked it. It felt silly and fragile and good.”
— Ransom Riggs; Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
