"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu

As of today, Monday the 7^th of October, it has been 11 months since I last injured myself intentionally. In one month I will reach my milestone goal of a year. 365 days without self-harming. I can’t even begin to explain how emotional I feel right now. For the first time, I don’t feel as if I’m fighting this anymore, I just feel like I’ve won – I know that I have won.

September has been the biggest challenge of my life, but I’ve coped. I have made it through the stress, emotion and everything else without going back to old safety blankets. How could I not be winning? I’ve done this by myself, but more importantly I’ve done this for me. I have gone one foot in front of the other, baby step at a time, and it’s taken me to this wonderful place where I am so at ease with my emotions.

Instead of hiding, or feeling ashamed of being sad or crying – just acknowledging those emotions is one of the most liberating things you can do. Never be afraid of who you are either because if you cannot accept and love the person you are, people won’t see how amazing you are.

Sometimes I write these things and think that I should practice what I preach a little more, so this month I will. In my twelfth month without self-harm I vow to do a few things;

• ·         Blog everyday
• ·         Talk to 10 new people
• ·         Speak instead of just listening and thinking
• ·         Show that you love yourself and are comfortable in your skin and surroundings
• ·         Be grateful for everything and everyone that you have
• ·         Catch a train home
• ·         Be who you are

These may seem trivial, and almost like they don’t matter. But to me, it’s the small things that I accomplish that mean the most. I’m keeping my head up now for the most important month in my road to recovery.

I think this chapter is coming to an end. I have never been more proud.