Gustavo Orozco (Gus)
5/5
Thank you for what you do. You’ve help me understand myself!
Thank you, no matter how many times I repeat that, it won’t feel like enough.
“My life is more
...I’m doing things because I want to...
...not because I’m forcing myself. When we met I was secretly rebelled against even a tiny hint of a suggestion of how to handle things. I learned to let my guard down and open up to not just you, but the world as well. I’m still working on that.
You listened when I could barely speak because tears were running too fast down my face and panic had taken my breath away. You listened when I was sad, and angry, and confused. You listened while I cried desperate for relief, from my emotional pain and trauma.
You sat with me as I outlined the traumatic events of my past that I had never managed to speak aloud. You sat and waded through the messes in my mind from years of denial, lies, and hurt. You listened and stayed strong because you knew in those moments it took every ounce of strength I had to go back and recount the memories. Instead of avoiding the hard topics, you embraced them.
You’ve challenged me. Stubbornness deep in my bones I vowed time and time again that “there wasn’t another way” or “my way is just fine, I’m fine” or some iteration of those sentiments. You knew when to push and make me go for it. You always knew I wasn’t fine.
I finally made the choice to recover for myself, no one else. I know it wasn’t easy, I know I was hurt and mad, and lashed out. I was scared and stubborn and in denial of how bad things had become. You still didn’t give up and stood by my side till I finally started to fight for myself again.
It wasn’t all so serious and hard.
You helped me face fear after fear. Tackling a daunting list of intangibles day after day. The list has evolved, changed, and grown, but you’ve stayed committed to the course with me. Tackling anxiety and learning when to just “rip off the Band Aid” and do it.
You’ve taught me so many things. I don’t have the space here to recount it all. The most important thing you’ve helped me learn is that crying is not a sign of weakness or of failure, that vulnerability is instead a sign of strength and bravery.
We still have plenty of work to do and you’ve pledged to stay by my side.
So thank you again. And again. And again.
Sincerely,
Me
Mental health
The mighty
