It could be meaningles s to write in French for English speaking audience. But I really miss my French! Here is: Un réflexion est profondément inspirante et pleine de force.
Je suis fier de moi parce que j’ai survécu aux jours où je pensais ne pas pouvoir y arriver. Aux moments où le poids du monde me semblait insupportable, où je ne savais pas comment j’allais tenir une heure de plus – encore moins jusqu’au lendemain –, et pourtant, je m’en suis sorti. J’ai tenu bon, même quand tout en moi voulait abandonner. J’ai avancé, pas à pas, même lorsque le chemin était incertain, même lorsque j’avais l’impression qu’il n’y en avait plus du tout.
I am proud of myself because I survived the days when I thought I couldn’t make it. During the moments when the weight of the world seemed unbearable, when I didn’t know how I would last another hour – let alone until tomorrow – and yet, I made it. I held on, even when everything inside me wanted to give up. I kept moving forward, step by step, even when the path was uncertain, even when I felt like there was no path at all.
Surviving those days wasn’t easy. It wasn’t graceful or beautiful. It was chaotic, painful, and raw. But I did it. I got back up for myself, even when no one else could. I found within me a strength I didn’t know existed, and I kept moving forward, even when everything seemed to be collapsing. And that’s something I can be proud of.
Sometimes, surviving is simply managing to get out of bed when your heart is heavy. Other times, it’s breathing through the pain, sitting in silence, and letting the tears fall without shame. Survival has nothing to do with perfection or having everything under control – it’s about choosing to stay, to fight, to heal, and to believe, even weakly, that better days will come.
Today, looking back, I see all the distance I’ve traveled. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I discovered resilience in the darkness and found light where I thought there was none. Those difficult days taught me precious lessons that I carry with me every day: I am stronger than I think, braver than I feel, and more capable than I imagine.
I am proud of myself because I didn’t let those dark days define me. They shaped me, yes, but they didn’t break me. I am still standing. I am still here. And every day that I choose to move forward is a victory, no matter how small.
To everyone reading this: know that surviving difficult days is an achievement you should be deeply proud of. Celebrate yourself for the battles you’ve fought and won, even silently, even if no one saw them. You are here, and that’s all that matters.**
