Dear Bella,

I am so lucky to have you in my life. I wish everyone had a best friend like you to be inspired by. The powerful, genuine thoughts you have recently started sharing on social media have inspired me to look at life in a different way. Your honesty in every post shows how strong you have become in the short year that I have known you. You are simply an amazing human being and I do not know what I did to deserve someone like you to be in my life.

I met Bella over a year ago through my long-time best friend, Zoie. Bella was going through a bit of a rough patch, so Zoie and I went on a run to take her a "comfort slurpee" from Speedway. Since that day, she and her family have been the most welcoming household I know of besides my own. From the rave-themed birthday party we hosted with only the three of us in attendance, to our simple movie nights and dinner dates, you have been one of my go-to gal pals since that very first day.

Fast forward to June 2018: in a little over one short month, my sweet friend, Bella Malatesta, known as iam.becoming on Instagram, has gained almost 4,000 followers on her new blog celebrating her personal awakening. She has turned a simple Instagram account into a personal blog, featuring her inspirational and thought-provoking views and feelings. Yes, there are already plenty of "Instagram girls" who are fun to follow for their aesthetically-pleasing feeds and good looks, but Bella's account is special. With iam.becoming you get a glimpse into Bella's beautiful soul, as well as all the usual perks of following an "Instagram girl".

Bella's posts always begin with "I am." which is a powerful phrase that is created by her initials. This phrase has become something of a mantra for both Bella and her followers. "I am." inspires you to think in such a way that you feel empowered to be anything you want to be.

"Unapologetically Me" is my favorite post that Bella has far created thus far. I highly suggest that anyone who reads this letter takes a look at that post. As the name suggests, the post reflects on how Bella came to realize that it is okay to be yourself, an idea that many girls struggle with as young adults. Bella's inspirational posts have already inspired many girls in our local area. She has received many many direct messages and comments of encouragement from friends and some people she has never even met. The support she is receiving is unreal and I am so proud of the person she has chosen to be.

I have read all off her posts word for word and not one has disappointed me. I am so lucky to know a girl who has chosen to live her life in a positive way instead of focusing on the negatives. It takes a strong, independent person to have the confidence to post these very private thoughts, all with the knowledge that she could be judged for those very thoughts by her peers.

Bella, I encourage you to continue iam.becoming for many years; see where it takes you and the incredible platform you will build. Keep growing beyond the beautiful person you are today. I am so thankful to have a continuing friendship with someone like you. "I am." thankful to personally know Isabella Malatesta.

Love, Brianna