Dear Self:

Dear Self,

What turned into an all-nighter has also been the most difficult thing I've done in a long time. However, I was told it needed to be done…You can thank me later.

For starters, I want you to know how hard it was to step back and speak from an outside view – from myself to myself. That said, I am so proud of you. Life hasn’t been too easy on you lately, and I am truly sorry about that. But despite it all, you have managed to keep your head up so far and continue fighting.

I know it’s hard, but please try and be proud of everything you have gone through, and mostly, what you’ve become and who you are becoming in the process.

Stop being so hard on yourself. You don’t believe it now, but everything will make sense to you one day. All the pain, hurt, and frustration you are constantly feeling will become more than worth it. I know you laugh when people say it, but this is true: everything happens for a particular reason. You are in the exact place you are meant to be at this exact moment. So breathe, be patient, and trust the course of your life. Let go of all the expectations you have created in your head, and accept reality as it comes. I know it is very hard right now, but accept life for what it is.

Try not to take everything so personally and most of all, try a little harder to not let others get you down. Most of the time, things have nothing to do with you, and everything to do with the other person. When someone hurts you, try and understand their side of the story. And even when it makes no sense at all, forgive them anyway. Learn from their wrongdoings, and then let it remain in the past and move on. Not everything is how it appears.

You struggle with this one…but you are perfect in every way, especially with your flaws. Accept the things that make you different, while embracing everything that makes you unique. I know you think you’re broken, but whether you believe it or not, there is so much beauty in your pain. Also, you’re really not as broken as you think you are, you just don’t give yourself credit in being stronger than anything that has tried to tear you down. You are a survivor, not a victim, and you always have been. So try not to be so hard on yourself – we both know you’re doing the best you can.

Never let anyone or anything get in the way of your goals in life. More importantly, never give up on your passions and your dreams. Please don’t waste any more time on people who do not believe in you. You don’t need anyone like that in your life, and they are only setting you back. Surround yourself only with people who encourage and inspire you; throw the negative Nancy’s away and push forward.

Stop worrying so much about some stupid boy. There is so much more to you than trying so hard to be his. You may be pulled every which-a-way to marry and find ‘the one’, but the truth is, there is so much more to life than some guy. Be patient, and stay positive, while waiting for love. Just because it has not found you yet, does not mean you don’t deserve to be loved. Because in all actuality, you deserve the world and even a little more. You are smart. You are beautiful. You are selfless and giving. Although you are a pushover for the wrong people, you are more than enough. He doesn’t see it, and he probably never will, but you are – you are everything and more, and you have the world to offer someone.

You are so strong. You have been through a lot and come out on the winning end. The world has tried to break you, but you never let it. Thank your past, for it has made you into a better person today.

You tend to struggle with hanging on to things you need to let go – Please, please remember, not everyone you have met is meant to stay around forever. People will betray you. People will leave you. People will take advantage of what you offer and use you up until you feel there is nothing left inside your soul. People who promise you the world will disappoint you, but all you can do is learn to appreciate them for what they have taught you in the end. Thank the people who have stayed. But also thank the ones who have fled, and fill those empty spaces with people who truly love you.

You need to gracefully let go of the things and people that are not meant for you. Accept them and those things for the way they are. I know it hurts so very much, but it is the best thing you can do for yourself. 

Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for trying your hardest at being so tough. You don’t realize it, but someone somewhere is inspired by you. Stay strong. Stand up tall. Be more beautiful than ever. Make them wonder how you do it.

You know you deserve the world, now go get it.

Love,

Me

P.S. - I'm sorry that someone you loved made you think it's hard to love you. That is the furthest thing from the truth.

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 35:4)