This is my new life.

I have to repeat that phrase to myself whenever I am down. No matter which word I emphasize, this is a true and important statement.

THIS is my new life.
This IS my new life.
This is MY new life.
This is my NEW life.
This is my new LIFE.

 Whenever I get sad over how much my life has changed in this last year, I repeat this phrase to myself.

I find myself saying it out loud, over and over again, when I need to be reminded of how lucky I am.

I'm not proud of everything that I have done. I have been scared about where I am headed. Not knowing sometimes frightens me. Remembering where I've been often makes me sad.

These five words bring me back to where I am now, here, in this exact moment of time and space that I am occupying.

My heart is full of happiness and love. I am grateful. I am safe. I am healthy in my body and my mind. I am satisfied. I am confident, focused, and I am moving in the direction of my dreams. I have forgiven myself and all those who have hurt me, and promised myself not to repeat my old mistakes. I have gotten rid of all the guilt and sadness from my old life, and I am jumping into this one with both feet. It feels so incredible to be moving forward, towards something that is beautiful and promising, and brings me fulfillment. I am inspired by everything and everyone around me. I am taking everything in - the good and the challenging - with both arms wide open. I welcome the experiences. I am surrounded by beautiful, supportive and wonderful people who remind me of my goals, set good examples for me to follow, and keep me uplifted and motivated to always be and do better, for myself and for all those who I share my life with.

This is my new life, and I am grateful.