you are art

I spoke to a man today. He’d been sleeping rough for many years. He suffered from paranoia and depression, and he’d recently lost his girlfriend. “You keep going,” he said to me, “you just keep going.” 

I wish I could tell his story, because it’s a human story. Because suffering is not a beautiful thing, but it is not unique either. To be human is to suffer. Sometimes, at least. 

The first thing they tell you about not wanting to live is that it doesn’t mean you want to die. You just want to stop suffering for a while. For me, I have always found solace in the small things, in my imagination, in books. For you, it might be music, or sports, or a stamp collection. The smallest things can save you. 

You’re going to be okay, you’re strong and i’m proud of you. Catch your breath and wash your face. Grab something to drink or to eat and remember to take any medications if you need to, okay? 

You’re amazing for making it so far into life; thank you for staying alive.