First of all, I want to commend you for making it this far. And I don't mean that in the slightly morbid sense of life-and-death, but for just being where you are today. I know that life hasn't always been so kind to you, but you've rolled with every punch and for that, I am proud. You have proved, time and time again, that you are a strong, strong woman.
Repeat after me:
"I am a strong woman."
And not only are you strong, but you are intelligent. I mean it; you're crazy smart, and you need to remember that always. You've got all of these feelings and creative ideas; I almost worry that your head will burst from the pressure of all of your thoughts. Your mind is an abyss of imaginative energy. Use that energy to do great things. You will do great things.
Say that with me now:
"I am a strong woman, and I will do great things."
Now, take that phrase, hold onto it, and never let it go. Never let it go when a boy breaks your heart, never let it go when you don't do well on a test -- Never. Let. It. Go. Period, exclamation point, triple underline.
I want to reiterate how proud I am of you for getting to this point in your life. Given the circumstances of your childhood and young adult life, let's face it, you're a gosh darn miracle. I would swear there but I don't know the rules of this site... anyway, you get the jist. You have grown up in a world where social media only weasels its way into your life more and more each day, and somehow, that feels natural. But for real, how on Earth can something so digital and man-made feel so natural? Sigh. Don't get me wrong, you know me, I love my social media. The internet is a wonderful place and has so much capacity for doing good things, but it can also be toxic. The same people who put supermodels on magazine covers are now putting supermodels on your Twitter feed... and it has gotten to your head. Not only that, but with basic Photoshop available to the common person, photo editing is becoming more and more common. Now, not only are you seeing people you've never met with unattainable bodies, but your friends and people you know are appearing physically perfect.
DO NOT LET THIS GET TO YOUR HEAD. IT'S NOT REAL.
And even if it is real, girl, your body is a wonderland and you need to cherish the heck out of it. You are beautiful. Body shaming exists both externally and internally. Do not shame yourself because of a girl on a magazine cover, or someone on a movie poster.
I've been there with you, I've seen it, remember? I remember those feelings you've had; the self-loathing, the sadness, the envy. None of it is good. The best thing you can do for yourself, and the best thing you have done is to be yourself, and to love yourself.
Scream it to the heavens:
"I am a strong, beautiful woman and I will do great things!!"
Your mind, your body, your soul, it's all amazing, and you will do amazing things with this amazing life you are living.
I believe in you, and I am here every step of the way.
Much love,
Me.
