To the girl who is too afraid to fly,

I'm sure you are an amazing friend, sister, daughter, and lover to everyone around you, but are you who you really want to be?

Are you going after the job you want, or the life you have always dreamed of? Or are you hiding behind the life someone else wants you to live?

Are you afraid of failing miserably? Of falling short of your ambitions? Are you really afraid of what people will think of you if you don't reach them? What is stopping you from going after what you truly want?

I know you work your butt off day in and day out, breaking your back to please everyone around you. You go out of your way to help everyone else's dreams come to life, and put yours on the back burner in the mean time. You worry so much about the ones you care about, that you forget the importance of your aspirations as well.

You turn down going on dates with nice guys, or make excuses as to why you can't have a boyfriend. You would rather stay in on your Saturday night and eat raw cookie dough because that can't break your heart or let you down.

You tell everyone you don't have time to be in a relationship, because "guys are clingy and too needy", when in reality, you don't want the commitment. Because having a man in your life means having even less time for yourself, less than you already have by putting family, friends and work first.

Being single is so much easier than getting your heart broken, not by some boy, but because once again, you put yourself last.

You want the best for everyone. You never want anyone to feel slighted. I hope you know that people around you can see that. They will pick up on that, and some may even use that to their advantage.

They will guilt you into feeling bad because they know that you are not one to ever say no. Be aware that people like them serve no purpose in your life. There is no space for users. Stand your ground, even when it feels like there is an earthquake.

You are strong as hell and tough as nails. You hide your feelings all too well. The last thing you ever want is for anyone to ever see you cry because you have to be put together all the time. You have nothing to prove, yet still feel as if you do. You are nowhere near perfect, but you are still beautifully and wonderfully made.

I want you to wake up every day with intention. Know that each day is one day closer to obtaining the life you have always wanted. No one, and nothing, can ever stand in your way.

There aren't many things you have control over, but the secret to life is knowing how to control the things that you can, like your reactions and feelings. I want you to wake up and know that you are a badass. I know that, deep down, you know you are one hell of a woman.

Stop letting things bring you down. Stop second guessing every decision you make because of how it may affect someone else. It is one thing to be thoughtful, but other times you need to do what is best for you. The people who love you will support and understand that.

I challenge you to go outside of your comfort zone. Do something without thinking twice of the outcome. Even if it is just for one day, choose one day to act as you would if there were no consequences, only your happiness and success. Spend the money, go for a long drive, call out of work and head to the beach instead. Take the time to put your mental health, happiness, and future first.

Spread your wings, because it's not about what if you fail, it's about...

What if you fly?

Take the leap, you never know where it may lead you.

Love,

The girl who is trying to make herself a priority, too.