Dear ________,

I’m sorry that you’re having a bad day—a bad week, month, or even year. I’m sorry for whatever you are going through. Whether it is a break-up, a bad test grade, the loss of a loved one, or something as miniscule as stepping in a rain puddle and ruining your favorite pair of shoes.

I’m sorry.

But I want you to know that you are beautiful. I want you to know that you are loved. I want you know that you are adored. I want you to know that life is tough and it wasn’t promised that it would be easy.

Don’t be bitter over your break-up. Consider it a blessing. I understand that it is hard to see now because it feels as though your heart has been ripped from your chest. The nights you spend crying yourself to sleep wondering what he or she is doing will soon be replaced with the sound of a real love peacefully sleeping beside you.

Don’t work yourself up over a bad grade. It doesn’t define you. You are smart—so smart, so please don’t let the distinction of a letter in the alphabet change your mood. You’re going to graduate. You’re going to find a job. You’re going to be successful. One bad test grade doesn’t change that; all it should do is make you strive to do better on the next one.

Don’t regret the times you didn’t spend with the loved one you just lost. Instead, remember all the times you spent together with him or her. Know that they are no longer suffering. And if they were taken too soon, focus on the greater plan even though sometimes it’s hard to understand.

Be thankful that you are wearing a pair of shoes. Yeah, maybe they are soaking wet and caked in filth, but don’t forget just how blessed you really are.

Smile. I can’t promise when, but I can promise things will get better. Please always remember that you are beautiful, and loved, and adored. Even during the times you feel all alone, there is One who cares for you and holds you in His very palm.

Sincerely,

Someone who really just wants to see your smile