starlightomatic:

Normalize the idea of celebrating holidays with friends.

Kill the idea that it’s somehow less real or valid or legitimate than celebrating with family.

Not everyone can travel to see their families and not everyone has good relationships with their families. Not everyone even *has* a family. Kill the idea that if that’s the case, you’re not allowed to have a fun and meaningful holiday.

Normalize the idea that friends are important enough to spend important days with.

Normalize the idea that friendship and non-familial community really, deeply matters.

lokis-little-candle-flame:

When I first heard you call me, I did not yet know the sound of your voice,

but through the dense fog that surrounded me I saw the faint glow of you.

At first I was hesitant, afraid to reach out and answer your call,

and yet you did not give up on me; your call only became louder.

So with a sweaty brow and a quivering voice, I took that first step.

I gave my reply timidly, praying that you really wanted me,

wondering how long I would have to wait to hear back; It was not long.

You appeared to me, no longer a faint glow but a blazing flame.

I felt warmth flood through me as your fingers, long and bony

and calloused, trailed along my shoulder, my forehead, my cheek; comforting.

It has not been very long, but already I feel revitalized.

Your brilliant light does not remove all of the darkness from my life,

but it helps me to expose where the sources of darkness are hidden.

Old, damaged pieces of myself break away, leaving my spirit raw,

but removing some of the weight it holds, making it ready to grow.

I know that my transformation is nowhere near complete; so many

challenges are ahead of me; there is an onslaught that lies in wait.

But with you by my side, I know I will survive the oncoming storm.

For you have taught me to recognize how great my own potential is.

I may seem small and harmless, but aggressors should beware; for I have

the capacity to become something bigger, more powerful than

could be imagined. And that is why I am your little candle flame.