Living with a mental illness is hard. We fight, but we rarely give ourselves the credit we deserve. Oftentimes we are only able to see our weaknesses, and unable to recognize our strengths. Life is so much easier when we are aware of our strengths and the things we are doing well. If someone you know is struggling, it is very helpful if you keep giving them positive reminders.

If others remind us of our victories and our strengths, we can believe in ourselves a little bit more and have a sense of purpose. A small amount of positivity can have a great impact on someone’s life. If we keep getting told that we are valued, it is easier for us to believe it.

We also need to work on giving ourselves positive reminders. This can be very hard during difficult times. But the more we practice positive affirmations, the more likely they are to find a space in our mind. And when there is a positive space reserved in your mind, it is much more difficult for negativity to take complete control. We are all fighting and doing good things. We should be telling ourselves that more often.

I try and keep track of the little things I do well throughout the day. “Small victories”, I call them. With small victories I can keep fighting the battle.

You are strong. You are valued. And you can do great things in this world.