To my heart on my darkest days:

Always remember there is still good in the world. It can be the smallest of things. A beautiful sunrise. A smile from a stranger. A friendly word. A small act of kindness. Sometimes you have to look for it. But once you start looking, it will begin to reveal itself in a thousand tiny ways until it’s impossible not to see the good and beautiful everywhere.

Always remember to count your blessings instead of your woes. Give energy to the things you want, not the things you dread. The more you give to good, the more good there will be.

Always remember that tomorrow is another chance to get it right. Like any good experiment, sometimes you will fail. Dust yourself off and try again.

Always remember that you are strong enough. Sometimes strength is the courage to give in to weakness, so you can pick yourself back up. There is untold raw beauty in the rebuilding process. You learn so much about yourself along the way. And remember that sometimes strength is having the courage to ask for help when you need it. So you are able to help others when they need it.

Always remember to be gentle with yourself. You are your first and closest supporter. Don’t forget to be that support sometimes. You can’t be a superhero all the time. Take time to nourish yourself and rest.

Always remember that even grief gets easier with time. When that horizon is still too far away, just focus on taking one step at a time. The important thing is to keep moving through it. Because someday that horizon will get here and you’ll realize it’s possible to be happy again.

Always remember there are still people who love you. The list of people who care about you is so long already, and it gets longer all the time. There are a few people you know you can count on no matter what. And still more who love you so much they would be there for you in an instant if you needed it.

Always remember to find the lesson, the beautiful, poignant side, to the hardest things. There really is some small good to follow any bad thing. Sometimes it’s difficult to find, sometimes it won’t make up for what was lost, but it’s still there. Always look for it and take comfort.

Always believe there is something looking out for you. There is some power in this universe, some magic. It wants you to succeed, but sometimes you need to have a little faith in the world and yourself. Let something bigger guide you now and again. And trust that things will work out eventually.

Always remember to be a champion of love. Love yourself, fill yourself up so you can pour love out into the world. That is the greatest thing you can possibly do.

Always remember: breathe. Let go. Try again tomorrow. Keep breathing.