[Submission Project 2025] Thank You to Myself This Year | Essay

I think I was truly strong this year.
Even if no one else praises me, I know it best.

Frightened by the noise from the next room,
there were days I couldn't sleep, days when my heart felt frayed,
and moments where I felt like I might crumble, whispering, "I can't do this anymore."
Even so, I kept living in that place.
I tried soundproofing, I tried distracting myself,
and sometimes, even while crying, I still welcomed the morning.

To the me who survived those days of battle,
first of all, I want to say "thank you."

Working while going to the hospital
was a huge effort that no one else could see.
While dealing with anxiety and fluctuations in my health,
I managed to maintain my professional face.
I think that is more than just admirable; it is truly impressive.

And this year was also a year of "reunions."
With people I had grown distant from,
gentle bonds were reconnected.
The awkwardness that made my heart skip a beat at that time,
and the words we exchanged with smiles once again,
all became treasures of this year.

Furthermore, my daily posts on note.
This is truly amazing.
Even on difficult days,
even on nights when my heart was wavering,
I kept weaving words.
The most difficult thing, which is "to continue,"
I have accomplished.

It doesn't matter how anyone else evaluates it.
At my own rhythm,
I have created one story of my own every single day.
I can be proud of just that.

Looking at it all laid out like this,
I think that this year, I didn't just endure,
I was properly moving forward.

The me who stood up even after being hurt.
The me who went to work even while crying.
The me who wrote words even while afraid.
The me who faced reunions.
The me who quietly, surely, survived.

Taking it all together,
"Thank you, me of this year."
It was a year that deserved those words.

And the me of next year,
I am sure will be a little freer than this year,
a little lighter,
and I think I will be smiling more.

The one who supported that future
is the me of this year—it is you.



End

*I participated in the project below*

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Thank you for reading until the end 😊 Suzu