Whenever I’m out of things to write about, my pen and paper bring me back to gratitude.

And today, I feel so grateful for many younger versions of myself; for having invested the time and energy to document their thoughts, without realizing that they’ll hold exactly what future them would want to read.

Every time I reread any of my old entries, I realize that younger me knew more about the world than I ever truly give her credit for. I tend to blame her for many of what didn’t go well before, not realizing that without them, I wouldn’t have known better now.

I’m only able to notice that, when I go back and read through my own words. And today, I really am grateful for having the tools that can forever preserve my thoughts, even when my mind no longer has room.

Basma Zaki