Even When Stressed, Let's Say 'Thank You' to Ourselves for Trying So Hard

Looking back, I now realize just how hard I was working back then.
I realize it now.

Even though I felt like I was being crushed by stress almost every day,
I worked desperately, and when I got home, both my mind and body were exhausted.

Even so, I want to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to that version of myself
who somehow managed to hang on and keep living.

Days spent blaming myself

I think I was pushing myself too hard back then.

I was strict with myself, thinking, 'This is normal,' and 'I should be able to do more.'

But I didn't realize that such harshness was causing me pain.

Even so, I was trying desperately.

No matter how tired or painful it was, I was desperately trying to keep moving forward.

I am a little surprised that I can now recognize that I was moving forward
even while harboring doubts like, 'Is this really okay?'

At the time, I just kept thinking, 'I have to do my best,' but
thinking about it now, I feel that it is precisely because of that effort and patience
that I am who I am today.

Gently saying, 'You did a great job'

Looking back now, I realize I should have acknowledged that version of myself more gently.

'You did a great job.'
'It was hard, wasn't it?'
I want to say to that version of myself, 'But you endured so well.'

Just saying those words makes me feel a warmth in my heart.

If I could see myself working so hard back then, I would surely want to tell myself, 'It's okay just as you are, you don't have to push yourself.'

But at that time, I only threw harsh words at myself, saying, 'It's not enough yet,' and 'I should be able to do more.'

Now, I want to stop blaming myself and watch over myself more gently.

I have come to truly feel that no matter how tired or anxious I am, it is okay just as it is.

Reaffirming my own strength

By looking back at the past,
I can clearly see how strong I was back then.

I am now realizing once again the strength I had to overcome each day
without giving up, even in difficult situations.

I want to tell my past self, 'There might have been days when you couldn't do your best, but you were truly amazing for doing what you could in those moments.'
I want to say, 'The choices you made then are connected to who I am today.'

I realize that every small step I took back then is now a great source of strength.

The importance of being kind to oneself

I used to fall into self-loathing over things I couldn't do, but now I have become able to acknowledge them.

I feel like my heart has become lighter precisely because I have become able to be kind to myself, saying, 'There were things you couldn't do, but you still did your best within your limits.'

Instead of blaming my past self, I just acknowledge them.

Just by doing that, my heart becomes very light, and I can be kind to myself.

And I have become able to be proud of myself.

What I need now is to forgive the past

Although I sometimes think, 'I should have been able to do more' regarding my past self, I have now become able to gently accept those thoughts.

I feel that 'forgiving my past self leads to forgiving my present self.'

If I can forgive my past self, I feel that my heart will become lighter and I will be able to move forward positively toward the future.

And I will also be able to gently say to my future self, 'You are doing a great job.'

Thinking that way, I have gradually started to gain confidence in myself.

Summary

Looking back at your past self, acknowledging your hard work, and gently saying 'thank you' is the first step toward boosting your self-esteem and lightening your heart.

No matter how difficult the times were, don't blame yourself; cherish the version of you that just kept going as you were.

I realize that this leads to cherishing your current self even more.

I believe that by thanking your past self and facing them with kindness, you can live more freely and happily.

May your days become even a little bit gentler.

Thank you for reading.

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Thank you, as always.