The most amazing friend, i don't know if i could get through any of this without her 

 
 The time to read LOTS. And I overcame some of my self hatred to the extent that I can actually write things sometimes although I don't show them to anyone but it's still progress :) 
 
 Since I did start writing more it also gave me room to think more, to reflect more and introspect about things I never really had the time to and really know myself better and to cement some thoughts properly into my head 
 
 The realization that you shouldn't let anyone, ANYone dictate the way you feel for the way you suffer. Nobody has a right to look at you joking and smiling and instantly assert that you have no problems or issues. You could have literal anxiety attacks and emotional breakdowns every night and still be joking in class the next day and no one has the right to tell you you're completely fine. Feel what you need to feel, cope the way you need to cope. Don't show it to anyone if you don't wish to because sadness isn't performative. Never let anyone invalidate the way you feel or the way you cope for the way you suffer.
 
 I learned a lot about mental health actually
 and I'm so glad I did because its extremely important to take care of yourself.
 
 I also got a lot of more time to cook and bake which, I've discovered, I really enjoy doing 
 
 Conclusion
 I've discovered many new hobbies, lost many old ones and ultimately discovered a lot of my own self. It's kind of like having all the puzzle pieces of your psyche and Self but finally being able to sit down, take out the time and piece them together to complete the image of yourself. I believe I'm not even close to completing that picture but I have a clearer idea of what it looks like, even if just partially. And since i do know what some parts of this picture look like, it also gives me the freedom and time to paint some parts anew, add some details, delete some others and curate what I'd like to see in that picture. And I think thats a very good thing. 

Shreya