The Clear State of the Mind

I told someone today that they are important. It broke my heart when they told me "no one has ever told me I am important before." If no one has told you, you are important. You specifically, are important. Your existence matters. Your life matters. You are important.

And you are important and valuable now. Not when you finally "get it right." Not when you get a "real" job. Not when you get your degree or certificate. Not when you get married or engaged. Not when you get into a long-term relationship. Not when you have children. Not when you have grandchildren. Not when you're financially stable. Not when you're rich and/or famous. Not when you win an award. Not when you're "successful." Not when you lose those last 10 lbs. Not when you have 1,000,000 followers on social media. Not when you're popular. Not when your crush finally asks you out. Not when you start having sex, or having more sex. Not when you retire. Not when you finally "fit in." Not when you get that promotion. Not when you can finally afford to buy a house. Not when you look 10 years younger than you actually are. Not when you move out of your parents' house. Not when you make the team. Not when you make team captain or first chair. Not when you own a business instead of working for someone else. Not when you leave this mortal coil for whatever's next. Not when you finally get that "thank you" or that "I'm sorry" you've been waiting for. Not when you can bench press 400 lbs. Now. Right now. Right here. Just as you are. In the present.