Somewhat unsurprisingly, loss has taught me much. If nothing else, it distills down the essence of what really matters.

You have to pass through the fire first, and you will get burnt, and the scars from that scorching will forever haunt you.

But once you are on the other side, you will begin to recognize it’s worth. You will understand why you have been tested.

The losses I have suffered in the past three years (almost to the day) have left me raw, vulnerable, and close to defeat.

When it will end I do not know, but what I do know is that it won’t be until the universe is done exposing my problems.

I have endured much pain and heartache in this time. But I have started to see through to the other side.

And you know what? When that happens, you start to feel a small and growing sense of optimism.

It’s not all smooth sailing, of course. There have been and will continue to be setbacks.

But I have come to understand what I want to prioritize in my life, and, more importantly, what I need to leave behind.

I see now how my well-being is paramount. And how I must safeguard it from all attack.

Anything or anyone who gets in the way of that is not something nor someone worthy of my time.

It may seem selfish, but in reality it’s probably one of the least selfish things one can do.

Because, as they say, you aren’t really any good to others until you take care of yourself first.