The greatest gift lies in truly knowing yourself, who you are in essence and spirit - and only you can give yourself this gift. Most of our suffering stems from confusion, uncertainty. Not knowing is the definition of torment. The things that hurt are mostly self-inflicted. ![[IMG_3146.jpeg]] No matter how great your loss, how insurmountable your current torment, Know this to be true: It is in the nature of the wound to heal. ![[IMG_3144.jpeg]] There is no greater release than atoning for your sins. No greater liberation than fearlessly stepping into your earned punishments. The wise man fashions his own chains and wears them wilfully, with pride. To him, even torment is a friend. The wise and strong man is willing to punish his suffering. Not his tormentors, but his torment itself. He is able to forcefully, boldly SQUEEZE whatever knowledge, wisdom, experience, inspiration, motivation he can from that which once hurt him. Force your pain to serve you. Brother soul, you're here because your life has not gone as you'd have imagined it. But I tell you this EARNESTLY. Your GIFT was HIDDEN IN your SUFFERING all along. your UTMOST PURPOSE is to EXTRACT that gift from the BOWELS of your darkest moments. Torment precedes BEAUTY. In every torment you find yourself - you find yourself.