Well, hello there. My name is Morgan Harper Nichols. I'm an artist and a writer, and this is a space

where I share poetry and prose that I hope can make a little room for you to slow down and take a few

deep breaths as you prepare for whatever lies ahead. Today's piece is simply called three reminders for the

week ahead. Number one, small progress is still progress. May you never compare your progress

to those around you. May you never compare your progress to those around you.

May you never compare your progress to former versions of yourself,

or the version of yourself that you feel like you should be.

Right here, where you are, you are growing how you were meant to.

Every small step matters, even when you can't see your own progress.

Trust, you're going to look back and find that you are growing in ways you could not see at the time.

The progress you were making mattered whether or not others recognized it whether or not you recognized it yourself

number two quiet strength is still strength there is a lot going on right now so please be kind to yourself

there is no shame if you don't feel like you can show up with the strength you feel like

you should have.

Pace yourself through each moment, knowing that even in the quiet, slower moments,

you are strong in the way you can be, and there is grace for that. Whether the pressure comes from outside or

within, remember that strength goes beyond what is seen. You can't hold a single inhale or exhale in

your hand, and yet your ability to make it through each breath cycle day after day after day over and over is a sign of strength all on its own.

Trust your strength goes beyond what you can see.

Quiet strength is still strength. Number three, you can see. Quiet strength is still strength. Number three, you can still know peace without

knowing what comes next. You can still know peace without knowing what comes next. There's a lot going on,

and this is also true. You are free to breathe right here.

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