This is a message for the person who’s been dealing with chronic pain as just another part of their life. This is to say: of course you’re still an incredible human being. If you have someone in your life who inspires you by how they live and love through their pain, pass this letter on to them. It’s an “I see you” kind of thing.

Losing someone is an experience that reduces all others to dust. When it comes to healing from that, support comes in all forms. Friends, strangers. Letters, lyrics. Movement, stillness. The words you speak, even, can be part of your support system. It's why I wrote these affirmations. To give you ideas, to illuminate the shadow their death laid on your future.

This poem you're about to read is what inspired me to say: greet every experience like a chance or a teacher, if not a friend. Even sorrow has its light, beautiful things grow out of the worst times. Just ask anyone who's known loss, and who's taken that pain and used it for their own betterment, or in service to others.

I never thought I'd say "I don't drink," but this past Sunday marked six months since I've had a sip of alcohol. The most surprising part of it all? I'm happier sober. And I don't say that lightly. I've dealt with depression most of my life. But after my brother committed suicide, I made it a priority to take care of myself.

It's been 9 years since my brother's suicide. Life since then has been... everything. Heavy and light. Lackluster and full of wisdom. Somehow, still beautiful. I wanted to share some things I've given up and some things I'm still doing to take care of myself. May my self-help laundry list shed some light on your own.

It could be a word. The way someone phrases what you could never put words to. A memory. Something you see in the sky, in the street, in someone's eyes. And just that one thing, in that moment, can spark change in your heart. It could mean the difference between who you've been, and who you're becoming. It could mean hope instead of fear, joy where there was pain—light in the darkness. It could mean everything.

The more in tune you get with what you’re feeling, the better you can identify and meet your needs. It takes self-awareness, respect, and practice. Each affirmation here is like a “note to self.” It’s a statement of what’s true and possible for you. It’s a way to validate the way you feel, so you can move forward.

This heartbeat meditation is a beautiful way to connect with your “inner flame” and the simple joy of being alive. It's uplifting and centering, as practical as it is sacred. As you sync with your inner rhythm, you might sense a flicker of light still on inside — even after everything, even the middle of everything.

If your soul is tired, this is for you. Maybe you just lost someone you love, or you've been carrying around a heavy grief for years. Maybe you're tired of trying to be someone you're not, or trying in vain to inspire change in someone else. I get it. That's why this is one of the best prayers I know: "Please help."

Whatever's flipped your life upside down this year, now you're here. You've been planted somewhere new; actually, something new has been planted in you. A seed. And you decide how you nurture it, water it, weed it, let it root & bloom. You get to decide, here & now, how it unfurls & how you grow with it, through it.