Journal Entry Date: 01/19/2025

              I am grateful for everyone in my support system. They are my care team at the Wellness Recovery Center I go to. They are my family. They are my mentor. My care team makes sure I am on the right medications and helps me understand why I feel the way I do. My care team also gives me the advice I need even if I am reluctant to take it. My family consists of my parents, my sisters and cousins, and my aunts and uncles. My parents have my best interests at heart. Even if they can be difficult to live with my parents have good intentions. I can trust my parents. I know they love me unconditionally, and that is the best support they can provide. My aunts and uncles cheer me on and keep me motivated. Specifically, my uncle Robert calls me to make sure I work out with my dumbbells. He won’t let me give up on building a healthy habit. He cheers me on because he knows I am a late bloomer. Most recently he called after watching My Cousin Vinny, and affirmed that like the main character, Vinny, that I will come through for everyone in the end. It reminded me that I am still interested in studying and practicing law. This will be a goal to achieve down the road. My sisters and my cousins are my closest friends. I know they have my back. Without them I wouldn’t have the identity of Vinny who is my best self. My mentor both acknowledges my progress and pushes me to keep going and exceed my limits. From a young age she took me under her wing. She continues to help me to learn. She tests me to see how resilient I am becoming, and I am grateful for it.