Hey you.

I know things have been tough lately and you’ve made some pretty big decisions. I know you’ve been trying to do things better and with a smile. I know you’re tired of people thinking that you aren’t doing everything you can. I know some of your goals feel so distant that you may never reach them. I know that you’re afraid of mistakes and I know you’re just trying to get by.

I know. I know all of these things.

However, there are some things I need you to know, too.

I need you to know that there is tomorrow. It’s okay to wait for a bit. Somethings are just too big to do today. I need you to know that. I need you to understand that as long as you are doing everything you can today, you’ll be alright. But I also need you to understand that you need to do everything you can today. You’ll feel better when it’s done. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but don’t hold yourself back because of self-doubt. I know you understand yourself and what you are capable of. Do what you can and do it well.

I need you to know that one mistake won’t end you. You’re making big decisions every day. As long as you keep up the research you’ve been doing, you’ll make the choice that’s right for you. It’s you that you are deciding for, not anyone else, remember that. You are making choices based on what is best for you and your future. You’re allowed to take advice from others, but do not let them sway you into thinking something you don’t feel is for you. Stand for yourself.

I need you to know that your self love is more important than I can explain. I know you’re struggling with that. You can change the way you look, just understand it will take time. Know that your body does not define you. Your body is your tool. Your hands have created masterpieces. Your words have impacted others. Your actions move you forward. Don’t doubt who you are because of what your body is, what you do is more important.

I need you to know that you are intelligent. Just because you aren’t adequate in one subject doesn’t mean you don’t flourish in another. You can’t compare your skillset to those of another person because you are unlike anyone else. Do not compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter nineteen. Understand you may lack in areas and strive to improve those weaknesses. You never stop learning.

I need you to know that you are loved. You are so loved. No matter what you chose in life, how you do things, who you talk to, what you do for a living, you are loved. By me. By your family. By your friends. By your professor who is giving you a hard time. They are just asking for your best because they know you deserve the best. Your family wants you to thrive. Your friends want you to be happy. You are worthy of all the love in the world.

So, I need you to make me a promise. Promise me you will always strive to be better. Push yourself. Make goals. Celebrate when you reach them, learn from when you don’t. Let yourself be happy. Don’t ever let yourself believe that you aren’t allowed to smile. Do the things that make you happy with the people who make you happy. Don’t ever forget how special you are. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you. Look in the mirror every morning and tell yourself that you are wonderful until you finally begin to believe it.