When nobody else celebrates you, learn to celebrate yourself. When nobody else compliments you, then compliment yourself. It’s not up to other people to keep you encouraged. It’s up to you. Encouragement should come from the inside.

I was not afraid of loving you. I did not flinch when you said you loved me too. the shadow of the failed relationships in my lineage no longer haunted me. I did not look for the exit door, or wait around for the other shoe to drop. I did not feel inadequate or incapable of loving you the way you deserve to be loved. there was a peace about loving you, and a confidence I had about being loved by you. There was an assurance in my soul the moment we met as if upon seeing your eyes my heart recognized yours and knew that it had found its way home again.