Why I'm Thanking All the People in My Life -- Even the Ones Who Hurt Me

I can’t say that I say thank you enough — or ever for that matter — to those I’m grateful for. I take people’s presence in my life for granted. So here’s to you, the one in my life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

To those who left me at my worst, thank you. From you I’ve learned compassion and understanding are gifts not everyone has.    

To those who’s values didn’t include our friendship, thank you. From you I’ve learned there are small ships and big ships but no ship like friendship. I’ve learned a friend isn’t someone around for convenience but rather someone who should help you grow in life.

To those who deserve me at my best, thank you. From you I’ve learned that those who can handle you at your worst certainly deserve you at your best. I’ve learned you are the ones with big hearts. You care about me as much as you would your dearest relationship.

To those who listen, thank you. From you I’ve learned that an ear with no response is better than nothing. Sometimes that’s all it takes to turn my day around for the better.

To those who criticize me, thank you. From you I’ve learned that criticism is a sign of caring, not of character. I’ve learned that being criticized has helped me to succeed and learn from mistakes.  Without criticism, I wouldn’t learn from my mistakes and be the best version of myself. Thank you for caring.

To those who believe in me, thank you. From you I’ve learned that even when it might seem so, the slightest thing is not the end of the world. I’ve learned that having someone as the voice in your head cheering you on is all I need to believe in myself.

To my therapists, thank you. From you I’ve learned more than I can form with words. I’ve learned there is always a support system available for me, even if it isn’t included in my circle of family and friends.

To my family, thank you. From you I’ve learned that I’m my own person and that’s OK. I’ve learned that differences will set us apart, but we’ll always be family, and that counts for something — a big something.

To myself, thank you. From you I’ve learned giving up is never the right option. I’ve learned giving up should never be an option.

For all of November, The Mighty is celebrating the people we don’t thank enough. If you’d like to participate, please submit a thank you note along with a photo and 1-2 sentence bio to community@themighty.com.

Want to end the stigma around mental illness? Like us on Facebook.

And sign up for what we hope will be your favorite thing to read at night.