Thread by @personunsure

i had dinner with a close friend last week

i'm an open book in this relationship. i've processed through feelings there i haven't processed anywhere else

we spend time together regularly, but not often

4-5 hours every 3 months, like clockwork

many of our conversations over the last year have been somber—snapshots of my descent into a powerful depression and general feeling of being lost

last week was hopeful

they noted—accurately—that the circumstances that spurred on so much grief hadn't changed

in fact, some things have gotten even worse since last time we spoke

and yet, they saw hope in me

in this, i saw a recurrence of two themes that have been significant in the last few months

first, the value of snapshots: events that give a platform for review and comparison. this quarterly dinner gives me a window into myself

second, changing myself in positive ways even if i can't change the things around me. letting go of a perfect image for my life and choosing to say yes to life, love, and every beautiful thing around me

as i reflect, i'm taking this moment to slow down and celebrate a snapshot of hope, and a friend who saw light in my eyes in the middle of a very dark year