It’s no secret that I’ve struggled with mental health for most of my life. Last Spring, I was a hot mess because of my break up. I was on more medication that I had ever been on at once, and had to re-learn how to deal with symptoms. I think it would be hilarious if I was able to tell last-year-me that everything was fine and that I’d eventually be grateful. Last-year-me would have straight up punched me.

I’m so happy now, though. 2013 was the year I shed my skin. That’s not something you can realize in the moment. It takes time and perspective. On Thursday, I had my six month visit with my psychiatrist, and I couldn’t have been happier with how it went.

This status really sums it up. Not only am I on significantly less medication, but I’m continuing to ween off. I came to terms with the fact that I’ll need to be on medication the rest of my life a long time ago, but it’s really incredible that I could get to the point where I’m only on a minimal dose of just one!

You can acquire all the coping skills in the world, and logically know how to handle your emotions and symptoms, but if you don’t love your life, you won’t have motivation to keep it up. And by loving your life, I mean loving yourself. Every day I get closer to who I want to be, and that’s all I can wish for you as well. If you don’t feel that transition taking place, make a game plan. Whatever you’re tolerating should be fixed. Don’t just exist on autopilot, darling. Deliberately live your life.