Five years. I can’t believe it’s already been that long since that fateful day. I never really know what to say when this time comes around every year. On one hand, I want to be unbelievably happy because I survived and am now able to impact so many people. But on the other hand, I want to remember that day for what it was: a terrible day that hurt everyone who knew me and beyond.

And as I thought on this more, I realized just how far I’ve come. Looking back on old footage of me speaking, seeing pictures of my first blog post and video, and taking a glance at my life and seeing just how much I’ve grown has made me think. And this was the thought I couldn’t escape from:

If I’m not any sort of genius or prodigy in anything at all, and I’ve experienced this huge turnaround in my life from clinically depressed and attempting suicide to saving lives, what is everyone else capable of?

Think about it. You have talents, passions, and goals I could only dream of having. You have experiences that I will never have. There is nothing holding you back from doing the same thing I did and pursuing your vision for your future. And yes, if you’re suffering from a mental illness or really anything else, that will make it harder. Of course, it will. But you have a 100% to give. It may not be as big as the 100% of Mark Zuckerburg or Steve Jobs, but it’s your 100%. Don’t let society or people in your life pressure you into thinking that you’re not good enough or that you need to conform to unrealistic expectations.

And on this five year anniversary of this horrible day, I can think of nothing better than to ask you to learn from my mistakes and use that knowledge to just be the best person you could possibly be.

Be you. Be unashamed.