A list of the things you taught me:
You taught me that in order to be loved, I have to repress my traits, my hopes, my dreams, my passions, and my entire identity.
You taught me that my needs are secondary to the needs of those around me.
You taught me that struggling is something to fear, something that makes me unsafe.
You taught me to always be vigilant of those around me, to watch who I trust.
You taught me I can't trust myself, no matter how clear my perception.
You taught me that I'm a burden on those around me.
You taught me to fear the thoughts and opinions of others.
You taught me that I'm broken.
You taught me that I'm inherently awful.
You taught me that I will never be good enough for you or anyone else.
In turn, I taught myself...
I taught myself to exist unapologetically, as my fullest self, and that love and acceptance will follow.
I taught myself that my needs are valid, true, and worthwhile.
I taught myself that while struggling hurts, I'm safe with the right people.
I taught myself how to build trust, and how to fully trust those who deserve it.
I taught myself how to trust myself, how to look inward and listen to myself.
I taught myself that absolutely NO ONE is a burden, and we are all deserving of accommodation, acceptance, and love, and that includes me.
I taught myself discernment on what opinions are worth listening to, and that the healthy, well-intentioned thoughts and criticisms of others can be tools by which we grow.
I taught myself that different doesn't make me broken.
I taught myself that I'm a kind, decent, loving person who's been through a lot, and that my mistakes do not define who I am.
I taught myself that I am already good enough, I always have been, and I always will be, to the people that truly love me.
You can't hurt me anymore.