Last night I was on Facebook, scrolling aimlessly, as one does while in the fifth month of a pandemic and lockdown. I saw a post from a friend that said, “Put this on your timeline and let everyone describe you with one word.” Not really thinking about it, I shared it to my own profile. I figured people would say some funny, lighthearted things, and that would be that. But when you expect one thing, the Universe throws you something else, whether good or bad. Some of the words I got made me tear up:
Strong
Encouraging
Eloquent
Inspiring
Outstanding
Precious
Genuine
Extraordinary
Determined
These words are reminders of who I am when I am unable to feel them myself. Seeing those words come from people I genuinely admire give me the confidence boost I needed. To be honest, 2020 has been kicking my ass. Before the pandemic, it was already a rough year. Now I’m alone, sick, and frankly, damn tired. I don’t feel like myself, and I don’t really know who I am anymore. I feel like a shell of a person.
People who I love and care about perceive the best version of me — sometimes the version I often struggle to see. These words are who I truly am at my core. I can hustle to get back to them. I am strong. I am inspiring. Damnit, I am determined. I know myself, and I can get back to loving myself.
Just some words of encouragement for those who also feel lost, wading through time that continues to hurl by: you are you, even if you don’t know who that is right now. Keep pushing through. Keep surviving, because one day you will get back to thriving.
Stigma Breakers 
You’re right the encouragement can go a long way. I prefer it to simply praising someone – offering honest feedback and encouragement is much more valuable. I might just say don’t be too hard on yourself for feeling down. This is a difficult time for all. It’s easy to resist negative emotions because we believe by having them something must be wrong. It’s so important to acknowledge and even embrace those emotions. You only give them strength otherwise. When you take the time to be with them and truly understand them they will change naturally. Sometimes forcing it isn’t the right answer. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
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