i am proud of myself because no one sees the battles i fight in silence or the pain i carry while still pretending with a smile. i am proud of myself for getting out of bed when everything feels heavy, for showing up even when i am completely exhausted, for holding on when giving up feels easier, and for choosing to keep going on days when i feel like i am breaking. i survived things i once thought i couldn't, and even if no one clapped for me, i know how hard it was. and even if no one is proud to have me, i am still proud of me.