cleaning up the attic

Encouragement and support is a necessity.

People often make do with judgments and criticisms, especially when you're clothes are decorated with earth and moist. You try to channel what is left of your patience and tolerate being pointed at as an example of failure. You stand up, dust yourself off and try again all to no avail. And the people you expect kindness from disappoints you.

But you smile and wipe your tear-streaked face. Because you are the only person you can count on. And as much as it hurts to try, you do anyway because you know you owe yourself at least that.

Encouragement and support is a necessity. Even if the only person you can ever expect that from is yourself. Just as muscles are developed to its full capacity when you exercise, you know you are getting stronger with every step you take. And that, for now, is enough.