Dear me,

It's time you and I had a little chat. You've spent a long time (most of your life, actually) blaming yourself for things outside of your control. If it is under your control, you still hold on to your mistakes, regrets, shame, etc. Because of this, you have let your insecurities run your life. You have resorted to self-destruction and if it at all possible, you've practically made it an art form. You have hurt yourself more than anyone else in this world simply by not letting go. Even as I write this, I feel guilty for doing so.

Dear me, it is not your fault that people leave. It is important to know that your "enough-ness" is not a factor in what makes you valuable. There is no such thing as not being "good enough"; that is something people have taught you--something you have let mold and shape how you see yourself. Dear me, I forgive you for all the times you say you hate yourself--for telling yourself you are worthless, helpless, ugly, fat, weak, over-emotional, clingy, etc. I forgive you for not valuing yourself. I forgive you for being so angry and lost, you resorted to hurting yourself. I forgive you for forgetting the image God created you in. I forgive you for not listening to those who love you and just want you to take care of yourself--they're not disingenuine. I forgive you for hurting those you love so dearly--for testing and pushing them away. I forgive you for every bad thought that's ever crossed your mind. I forgive you for not loving yourself.

Dear me, you are good. You are smart and sassy and intelligent and driven. You are beautiful, even when you have not an ounce of makeup on your face and your hair is a mess. You are a talented writer and speaker. You are kind. You are funny and silly. You are a good listener and a loving friend. You are opinionated and stubborn--and that's NOT a bad thing, just as long as you remember to keep an open mind and heart. You are passionate. Your laughter fills the room.

Dear me, please remember you are human and it's okay to make mistakes as long as you own up to them. Being human does not excuse you from treating others badly, but forgive yourself when you do so. I pray you understand that you are a child of God and he has forgiven you--do some good by giving yourself and others the same courtesy. You're doing okay. Oh, and one last thing-- you are "enough", whatever that means.