It doesn’t matter if you lose friends as long as you get better. No matter how painful life feels—more suffocating than any physical pain—speak up, find your voice, and motivate yourself. Life will grow darker at times; sometimes, you may feel trapped in that darkness every moment. It can seem like the end is just one jump away. People can be frustrating—caught up in counting money, misunderstanding you—but ask yourself: Do you truly understand yourself before judging them? Maybe they, too, are fighting battles you cannot see. Let go, be kind to them, but be kinder to yourself. Even if you choose to walk away, take the time to silence those destructive voices.

Pursue what you love; if you don’t know what that is yet, sit in stillness and let your thoughts flow freely onto paper. Every day you improve, even a little, is a victory. If you stumble and regress, don’t be harsh on yourself. Someone, somewhere, is going through immense pain—comparison only adds to your burden. Focus instead on growing your own strength. Jealousy and ego might tempt you to measure yourself against others, but let that ego fuel self-betterment instead. Who cares if you fail? Learn, try again, and grow from every experience. Embrace imperfections and fix what you can in your own space before pointing out flaws in others.

Consider those who end their lives—not as cowards or heroes—but as people who reached a breaking point. If only they could have held on longer, they might have transformed completely. When pain becomes intolerable, and loneliness and self-destruction become a cycle, it may feel like it will last forever. But deep down, you know there is no need to rush the end. Death is inevitable; until then, ride out the waves. There will be highs and lows. Laugh at your own jokes, even if they’re boring. You might eventually find yourself grateful for surviving those moments, cherishing those who rooted for you, and letting go of those who cheered for your downfall.

You are your own person. There’s something liberating about talking to yourself and realizing the beauty in life and the people around you. Once you refuse to give up, that uplifting vision of yourself becomes real. Ask yourself: Is it your mind creating suffering, or the circumstances and people around you? Climb that mountain if you wish. Light that cigarette if you must. But reflect: What’s truly hurting your lungs—the smoke, or your mindset? Adopt healthier habits as you grow.

Climbing a mountain may seem absurd to someone afraid of heights. Cigarettes are unhealthy; we know this. But those who judge may never ask how you’re really doing or understand your struggles. Do what needs to be done. Live—truly live, even if only for a moment. Define your own path. Don’t let others dictate who you are or what you do. You are unique, irreplaceable. If exploring caves is your calling, go do it. If the nine-to-five grind isn’t for you, carve furniture, create art—whatever stirs your soul. Balance practicality with passion. People might call you crazy, but those who truly see you will admire your courage. Somewhere out there, a beautiful soul will appreciate yours.

Block out the noise. Listen to your inner screams if they guide you. Scream aloud if you must. Find your purpose. You may be broken, scattered into a million pieces, but somewhere within that chaos lies a fragment that is uniquely you. And there will never be another you.