Heather Pound

If it wasn’t for you I would not have taken

the time and effort to sift through my

thoughts and beliefs, examining them well

and intentionally putting aside the ones

not measuring up to the light of truth,

and I would not have lived years of my life

both healing and free. I could have

endlessly lived one step ahead of myself,

worried, instead of present in the now,

and I would not have practiced the balance

that brings me intentionality and creativity

and peace

~~~~

And while everyone’s stories are entirely

their own, I would not be able to understand

what it is like to live with you and what it takes

to manage and get rid of you, and be able

to walk beside others now doing the same

So, surprisingly while you have been

most unwelcome and utterly cruel,

I thank you for the ways that you have

made my life both fuller and free, and how,

in the end, you have enriched and produced

depth and have opened the door to lasting

joy

~~~~

—An open letter to anxiety and depression. I am surprised to find, with perspective, that you may actually be one of my longest and truest friends.

~~~~