Dear bright, young woman,

Being a young adult is hard. Navigating life at this point is harder. You will begin and end so many friendships and relationships throughout these young years and it's all normal. It's part of becoming the adult you need to be. Sometimes things can get overwhelming, and you may start doubting and questioning everyone and everything around you.

You will have the relentless urge to help everyone and do everything for others rather than focus on you and what you need. It can start to take a toll. Both physically and mentally. Maybe it's because you never received this kind of nurturing yourself and to make up for that, you treat everyone how you wish you had been treated all your life.

Whether you get any kindness back or not, you still work towards being there for everyone. Because you know what it feels like to not get the support you desire and need.

People will hurt you. They will drag you down with them when they are drowning themselves. They will not want to see you happy. They will not want to be a shoulder for you to lean on no matter how many times you were there for them in their time of need. You will find that they only stuck around you because they knew you'd always be there. But what about when you needed someone? What about your feelings and problems?

You tend to forget that you are only one person and need care and love, too. There are days where it is hard for you to get out of bed or even put yourself together. There are days where you feel like the life has been drained from you and that you are just a hollow shell. You want to reach out but you feel that no one will understand or care. It can feel like you're trapped. You may even feel like your life is meaningless and unimportant. But please, you are so important. What about you? For once,

What about you?

It's time you stop.

It's time you stop giving so much to people who don't deserve it. Your kind nature should not be wasted and used up by leeches, whose only purpose in your life is to suck you dry of your happiness and well-being.

Stop giving more than you receive. I know it's hard to say no to people, but they obviously have no problem saying no to you.

Stop doubting yourself and feeling less-than. You are worth everything in the world. You matter so much and have the right to an amazing, successful life. Don't let some people who are unhappy with themselves bring you down, because remember, misery loves company.

Stop listening to unnecessary criticism. If someone has something to say about you that isn't intended to better you, then forget them. They and their opinions are meaningless.

Stop putting the whole world before yourself. Don't become a doormat for people to step on. Rather, become the door that people have to stand up to in order to be let in.

Stop criticizing yourself for everything that is wrong in your life. Stop blaming yourself for others' problems. Accept that some things are out of your control.

Remember,

you are a kind, loving, important person who deserves only the best. Never let anyone tell you that you're too sweet and nice because those virtues are hard to find in people these days. Continue to be the light in the darkened room. People appreciate that.

Remember that your health comes first. Anyone who tries to make you feel bad about yourself or your life choices are not worth your time. Whether that be a friend, family member, or a romantic partner, no one has the right to make you feel like a terrible person or a waste.

And remember, you are a worthy, important person destined for great things and you have just hit that point in your life where things are rough. But nothing is rough forever. A rainbow will always follow the storm. The sun will shine after the dark of the night. It may seem hopeless right now but things will get better and you will become stronger because of all you've been through.

One day this will all pay off. One day you'll realize why everything happened the way it did. You will be proud that you kept your character and didn't change to please anyone. You will be thankful that you kept your head up even when those around you were trying to bring you down.

Never stop being a giving person. Never stop being overly nice. These characteristics are what make you, you. Know your worth. Know what you need from others and don't be afraid to ask for help. Good things are coming, I promise.

Hang in there.