This was not my first year in therapy and it certainly won’t be my last, but I think this was the year I learned the most. Here are the top 20 things I learned this past year while working on anxiety in therapy, meeting other mental health warriors, and learning to use my voice.

1. It is okay to feel stressed or sad sometimes. Don’t wish away all of your emotions.

2. Crying can feel really good as a release. Let it out from time to time.

3. Don’t believe anything your brain tells you after midnight.

4. Don’t believe anything your brain tells you when you first wake up.

5. Someone does care about you. Many people care about you.

6. It is okay to ask for help. Most people are good people.

7. When deciding whether or not to take a risk, take the risk. It probably won’t be that bad.

8. Nothing is ever as bad as we expect it to be. (see #7)

9. You can do far more than you think you can.

10. On days you hate your hair or your outfit, others think you look great.

11. Worrying will never change the outcome.

12. Intense anxiety will always come down. always.

13. Just because something feels uncomfortable does not mean it is dangerous.

14. Feeling happy most of the time is great, but nothing compares to the return of happiness.

15. Fighting for happiness is worth it.

16. You are intelligent and valuable.

17. You are beautiful inside and out.

18. You are loved and can love.

19. Recovery won’t be a straight path, and that’s okay because

20. You are worth recovery.

~Morgan