Cheers To You

Cheers to you who chose to be vulnerable even if it went against the fiber of your muscles. You were muted and color-blinded, but you hoped for the day when you could hear the chirping of the birds or witness the sunrise in awe with its exaggerated colors. You became numb out of necessity, but you slowly embraced the cold, fresh morning air. You practiced holding your breath to contain the pain, but you are now expanding your lung's capacity to take in as much air as you can.

Cheers to you who didn't give up. Life is not easy, and it won't get easier, but you remained steadfast. Just because you were brought down to your knees doesn't mean you can't stand again and hold your head high for the battle well-waged. You wobbled, but you regained your balance. It doesn't mean you won't get knocked down again, but you learned that you're much stronger than you thought. You can always stand up again and again until life gives up on you.

Cheers to you who celebrated the laughter of your friends while trying to hold your emotions together in the comfort of your tent. You always wondered how you got such awesome friends when you're a terrible person, but maybe, just maybe, you just attracted the right people. Cheers to you who lived through moments of happiness even if you're still coping with your inner turmoil.

Cheers to you who marveled at the fog-enveloped campsite under the moonlight. I'll continue to hope that you will always find peace, even in moments of uncertainty. Strive to find clarity, even when you feel the obscurity of what's ahead of you.

Cheers to you who can stand at the edge of cliffs again.

Cheers to a life lived in awe!

Kim Ybañez