There are those in my life that know that I have a vast amount of untapped potential. Sometimes it can be hard to see that in myself. I know that there are many people who care about me. There are times I want to throw a pity party about myself for one reason or another. Yet, I recognize that there are people who do care about me when I am my best self.

I realize that I have the potential to learn and grow. Even with this awareness, it can be hard to see beyond where I am. I feel comfortable with my current place in the world. Indeed, there are reasons I need to be where I am because of the support I do need. Last year, I wanted to leave day services. I discovered that I was unwilling to solve the reason on my own. Moreover, I was not in the best mental state to understand it.

It takes proving my worth to those who do not know me. I must show them my talents and abilities. Meeting new people and communicating with them is difficult at first. Nevertheless, there have been many people over the years who have seen me grow into the man I am today. I have been on a long journey. I know many people didn’t know my potential. Yet, they continued to take a chance on me. I was not at my best self.

Indeed, it involves taking care of myself by being healthy. I must do what is necessary for caring for all dimensions of my well-being. I know that I deserve it, and others deserve it too. I can fire at all cylinders when I am my best self. When I believed I didn’t need certain things to exist, I was mistaken. Not having those things actually brought me down. This lack was noticed as a concern by others, even when I didn’t see it.

Without a doubt I know I do so much for many others that even others do not know it. Some don’t even at times know that it is me doing things because I hid my identity when doing so. But it is what keeps me going. Doing what is necessary keeps my mental health in check. It also brings joy and hopes to others, many of whom I don’t even know. I am valued greatly. There have been times when I was unwilling to accept the accolades. Still, I know people appreciate me for who I am. They value me for what I do.

I continue to be my best self. I do what is best for me. I use my given skills and abilities when I am capable of doing so. I know that consistency builds expectations in others. It is important to remember to take care of myself every day. When I take care of myself, I can refuel often. This helps me to fire on all cylinders. I am the person that everyone I know expects me to be.