to ateez and atiny: in my last message here, while expressing the immense gratitude for the positive influence and genuine light brought to my life, i mentioned that these past two years of being atiny have been deeply transformative. that inner transformation is very much still happening, and recent experiences led me to do more research on the concepts of the process known as the "dark night of the soul" as well as the healing process after intense longtime trauma. it really helped in clarifying where i'm at in the stages of healing and growth, and i wanted to take a little bit of time to share personal insights that have helped me, in the hopes that in your own experiences and things you're struggling through, it can shine even a little light of reassurance and hope. the first is that it is immensely important to be patient and empathetic with yourself through the process. you'll have days where you feel like you've made so much progress followed by moments where it feels like you've fallen back down and lost what was achieved. this sense of loss and doubt in yourself is rooted in fear from past experiences and/or negative and unsupportive voices. you haven't failed, what you gained has not been lost. in those darkest moments where it feels so hopeless, look back on the journey, the ups and downs and everything in between. look back at how far you've truly come. there will always be rocks and holes and obstacles that trip us up on the journey forward towards healing; just because you've encountered that doesn't mean the triumphs and joys won before were for nothing. you're still moving forward at your own pace the best you are able to; that will always be enough, and i'm so proud of you for making it this far. please don't give up. second, open communication and establishing boundaries is crucial. communicating how you're feeling, what you need, and letting people know when you need time and space to yourself helps those who love you and care about you to know best how to be there for you. if you're in a situation where you don't have a safe space or supportive people around you, looking into resources (depending on your situation, this could be crisis lines, community spaces, public spaces away from negative influences where you can have some space to breathe, etc) can really make all of the difference. recognizing your limitations and not pushing yourself past them is so important when you're already emotionally/mentally/physically exhausted. please know that it's not selfish to take care of yourself, to allow yourself more rest than usual. for some people (like myself), being there for people and supporting and doing acts of kindness for loved ones brings genuine peace in turbulent times. however, it's still important to be mindful of your energy levels so you don't reach burnout. hold onto what brings you genuine happiness, to what makes your inner light shine brightest. part of the healing process can involve the self defense mechanism of letting go of good things in your life out of fear of being hurt again, or a feeling that it is somehow meaningless. it's part of the retreat in trying to survive through an intense experience. but in letting go of that good influence, that which brings you the needed positive energy and light, it's the same as if you stopped eating or drinking enough. starving yourself of the necessary things that nourish the soul won't help you, and will only make things harder. please don't let go of the people and the things that help your heart grow and flourish, that keep you safe through the storms. it doesn't matter if what that is for you seems small or you think it's silly somehow. so long as it causes no harm, keep your light close. it will help you go far. cherish the big things, the little things, and everything positive that appears in your life. tuck them away in your heart like the treasures that they are. start a mindful practice of writing down and taking note of these so that when the low points appear on the road, you have something to look back on, proof to hold onto that however big or small, there is still good out there in the world. there is still light in the darkest places, joy found amidst sorrow, love that cannot be broken despite those who bring cruelty and hate. wherever you are on your own journey, however small or lost or alone you may feel, i promise you (and i don't make promises easily) that you are precious and beautiful. i promise you that however things look right now, there are people out there who love and care about you and see your worth. you are never truly alone and i hope that, as soon as you're able to, you can find the place and the people to truly call home. sending every bit of love and light to you. keep going, moment by moment, one day at a time. may your inner light forever shine. you're doing well even now. you've got this. 💚🎵🐦☀️🌕✨️🌻🍀🫂 - ari #ateez #에이티즈 #hongjoong #홍중 #seonghwa #성화 #yunho #윤호 #yeosang #여상 #san #산 #mingi #민기 #wooyoung #우영 #jongho #종호 #atiny #larknotes