To the individuals who hurt me, betrayed me, and left me feeling broken,

First, let me start by saying I'm not angry, sad, or upset anymore. I forgive you. I've decided to forgive you and move on rather than continue to be upset.

I want each of you to know how long it has taken me to forgive you. I wasn't sure if you were worthy of my forgiveness. Now, I realize that everyone deserves our mercy and our forgiveness.

I want you to know how difficult it was to see you and pretend not to, to pretend to see through you.

I had to force myself to fake my strength and act like I didn't still care. I still care. You were once a huge part of my life. I can't change that and I don't want to. I really enjoyed the good times though I wish things hadn't ended the way they did.

Regardless, I want to thank you. Thank you for all of the memories, for the adventure, for the lessons you taught me, for the relationship we had.

Your friendship taught me to love and let love, to trust and be trustworthy, to be strong when others are weak, to be vulnerable and open, to step outside of my shell, to smile and laugh wholeheartedly. You helped me live and appreciate life.

When you left, I felt alone, lost, and off balance. I didn't know which way to go. I turned to God and followed Him. I put my trust in someone greater than all of us. In doing this, I grew an indescribable amount, I found people I love, I explored new interests, and I had so much fun. I feel so much more joyful and happy.

You hurting me revealed to me my strength, independence, and courage. I learned to forgive, to trust again, to put myself out there, to be a good friend, to trust the process, to be hopeful, to live in the present. I found happiness in myself. I learned what I want, expect, and value in all relationships.

I learned so much from you and, for that, I can never repay you.

I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

The girl who rebuilt herself when you tore her down