Keep breathing.

This article is one very close to my heart, so I don’t even want to call it an article. These are my words. My words are dedicated to Daniel Fitzpatrick, a young man who committed suicide on August 11, 2016 due to being bullied relentlessly. In addition, my words are here in dedication and support of anyone else who is being, or has been bullied. Anyone who is struggling from abuse, or any other issues, I am here. I am listening. I wish you and all the others struggling with any type of battle, the best of luck. Like I said, I am here for you. It WILL get better. Please email me if you need someone to talk to. I am here whenever you need me: CiaraCharlotte@aol.com Don’t let them win. #BeBrave and keep breathing.

For the past two years or so, I’ve kept a journal. I guess you can call it a diary because it’s mostly filled with my thoughts from throughout the day, ideas, and events that took place. I’ve written about people who I’ve shared good and bad times with. I’ve written about my mistakes and heartbreaks. I’ve written about arguments and accomplishments. I’ve even jotted down simply, my to-do list for the next day. It keeps me organized, and I feel like I have a place to let out anything I want.

I have dreams and goals for myself, and very few people truly know what they are. I’ve realized I need to keep certain things private in my life. Most people assume I’m out for fame. I’m not. You don’t really know me. No matter what I’ve shared with you, there’s still more you don’t know. Everything I’ve been through for the past years of my life, I’ve gotten through it. Guess what. You have gotten to this day as well. Congratulations!

I have been through so much. So has everyone else. The events we experience, and the hardships we face, are those that shape us into the people we are today.

I’ve made friends and lost them. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve learned from them. We all have. So, what gives you the right to judge me? This is my life. I am living the way I want so that I will be proud of the person I’ve become. If it takes a long time, it will. Life is long anyways, so you have the opportunity to make each day better than the last. Keep breathing.

You think you know me? You don’t. You haven’t been there to see everything that I’ve been through. I haven’t been there for all of your moments though either, who am I to judge? I'm not. Neither should you. In simpler terms, no one should be judging anyone else.

I am here to ‘Share A Smile’ and teach others to #BeBrave. Don’t let them win. Keep breathing.

Don’t worry about the people who want to talk smack. #BeBrave and be you. Let’s be real; you can’t be anyone else.

I see many people wearing masks. I see people being who they want others to see them as. Some acting like life is a television show; focusing on being the most popular, the loudest, the sexiest, the smartest, heaviest drinker/smoker, or whatever.

Who knows? Maybe there really is someone watching over us. Maybe there is a higher power that watches us fall asleep at night. Maybe this higher power gets to see us meet our love for the first time. We never really think about it, but when you do, it gets SO deep. Keep breathing.

Have you been bullied or bullied someone else? I promise you, somebody saw it. Everyone has opinions of others. Keep the nasty ones to yourself. Don't make yourself look silly.

Do you understand? Would you believe this higher power is proud of you? Do you even care? I hope you do.

Inhale for a count of five, exhale for a count of eight, and repeat.

It’s like your conscience tells you what to do, and what not to do. Some people don’t listen, or say they don’t have one. I believe we all do, whether it’s a voice, or just a thought in your mind.

It’s hard to explain, if you don’t get it, that sucks, but this is what I want to say.

However, sit down and get comfortable. Take your time in reading my words.

...

Focus on your breathing. Breathe in for a count of five, breathe out for a count of eight. Repeat this a few times and relax your mind. Just breathe.

Having trouble? Did something go wrong today? Cry. Let it out. Write, paint, run, whatever helps to calm you down. Don’t worry. It will be okay. Tomorrow is a new day. Don’t dwell on what you’ve gone through. Make yourself proud and focus on making tomorrow better. Keep breathing.

Inhale for a count of five, exhale for a count of eight, and repeat.

Think deeply, and read slowly. Think about what you’ve accomplished in your life so far, and where you would have wished to be by now, (as your younger self). Are you there yet? Are you happy? Could you be happier? Keep breathing.

Breathe in for a count of five, out for a count of eight, and repeat.

Go out and meet some new people one night. Listen to the conversations. Sometimes I find it interesting to think up other possibilities in your head. What if he said one thing instead of the other, would she have reacted differently? Someone once told me that there is an endless number of universes, where all possibilities come to life. Imagine that!? It would be pretty cool.

You’ve got to realize that your time is valuable. You matter, no matter how many times you’ve been told otherwise. You can’t get any moments back. Make the best of it. Make yourself happy. Keep breathing.

Inhale for a count of five, exhale for a count of eight, and repeat.

It’s really the most wonderful thing in the world to know that you mean something. If someone is with you, they are spending valuable time of their lives, devoting it to you. When you are with someone, (whether it’s your mom, dad, brother, sister, boy/girlfriend, platonic friends, anyone), and even if you’re not doing anything except being silent, this other person, cares. They wouldn’t be there if you didn’t matter. Spend time with those you love. Spend time with those who make you happy, and you can make happy. No one should feel like they don’t matter. Understand that you are worth it. So, keep breathing.

Inhale for a count of five, exhale for a count of eight, and repeat.

You ARE worth it. You are worth the tough times. You are worth the tears. You are worth the smiles. You are someone’s everything. It may find a while to figure it out, but once you find that person, you will not want to stop living. Once you find your purpose, you will not want to quit. Keep breathing.

Cry. Let it out. Let me hold your hand. Inhale for a count of five, exhale for a count of eight, and repeat.

You matter to me. If you are struggling in any way, please do not hesitate to email me: CiaraCharlotte@aol.com Let me hold, your hand. Let’s keep breathing, together.

For everyday motivation and words of encouragement, follow me on my life's journey. @TheCiChar (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Kiwi, Snapchat, etc.). I have many things planned for the future, and I can't wait for you to be a part of it.

Remember, you matter. Keep breathing.

Written by @TheCiChar on Snapchat/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Kiwi/

Article Photography by @AlwaysCaptiatingYou on Instagram