Sometimes life gets a little hectic. We get caught up in drama, schoolwork encompasses all of our energy, and we just forget to give ourselves the love we deserve. So here’s a reminder that you are wanted, loved, and needed on this planet.

You are beautiful. It may not always seem like it or feel like it but you are. Whether it’s 12 in the afternoon and you’re dressed to the nines, your makeup done and your new shoes on, or midnight with your hair up, sweatpants on, sleep glossing over your eyes and stress lines creasing your forehead. You are beautiful.

You are not defined by numbers. Society loves to place people quantitatively. Weight, GPA, etc. we’ve all grown up striving to lower the number on our scale and raise the number on our report card. Regardless of weight, academic achievement, or even socioeconomic status, every person, yes including you, is an important part of the world and it’s function.

You mean a lot to someone. Yes, you may feel alone when you can’t sleep at 2 a.m. but know that to someone, you are important. Your mom, your family, your friends, even when it seems like there is no room for you in their busy lives, know that to them you are a relief from the humdrum of the everyday hustle. That being said, also remember that not everyone will like you, but that does not in anyway diminish or determine your worth to those who love you.

You are worth it. When you question why someone is your friend, why someone loves you, why anyone would want to spend time with you, know that you are something special. Sometimes we spend so much time analyzing ourselves for flaws we forget to appreciate all of the marvelous things that make us unique individuals. You mean the world to some people, flaws and all, don’t forget that.

You are never alone. This is perhaps the most important thing to remember. When you’re feeling down and none of these reminders help, when you’d rather sit alone in the dark with Netflix and avoid all of humanity, when you push your friends away as they try to help, just remember you are not alone, even if you want to be. It’s okay to have bad days, it’s okay to fail, it’s okay to make mistakes. The only true unforgivable part of life is giving up. Sometimes sadness and doubt are necessary tools to show you just how happy and lucky you can be. So even when things get tough, hang in there. It can’t rain forever.

So keep your head up. You are a queen (or king). You are a badass. You are an incredible person and anyone who has you in their life should be counting their blessings. You can (and will) achieve everything you work for, even when your future looks bleak, have faith.