I wanted to post a gentle reminder. You have many different parts - it’s helpful to remember that while part of you feels totally hopeless, another part is still totally reassuring and loving to your child or your dog; although part of you feels like this day sucks, part of you still appreciates the artistry of clouds. The part of you that reassures your best friend can reassure you too, but only if you get to know her. The part that pens a compassionate note to her loved ones could provide compassion for the note writer, if she learned to love ALL her parts. The tough little survivor in you is ready and willing to help the moment you accept her as YOU. For everyone that loves you, be brave if you can and examine your whole damn life. If you can’t, ask for help. You are the source of unconditional love for yourself. You always have been, but it takes some very hard scary work. Don’t try it alone! I know there’s no one size fits all answer. I just wanted to share what helps me. At times, Part of me wants to join Anthony and Kate and my dog and my mom and some of my best friends in a better place (like most people, I occasionally have dark thoughts), but part of me remembers that life is a miracle and she reassures the temporarily hopeless part that it will be ok. (Ironically, that part is the kid I thought of before as “damaged”) It will be ok. It will be ok. Ask! Maybe we can help.

I love you, Mary.