Dear thirteen-year-old me,
It's okay that sometimes the littlest things will make you cry. You're holding in a lot and I know you're trying your hardest to be strong. Things seem tough right now, but your strength will pay off later. You don't see it now, but you are getting stronger every day. Yes, you'll have quite a few setbacks, but just keep fighting through. There are so many people who care about you and want to see you succeed.
Some people will never quite understand what happens in your head. They'll say things like "just cheer up." You'll want to rip their heads off because you're so frustrated, but don't. In some cases, they're trying their best. What's going on in your head is complex. Don't expect everyone to know the right thing to say to help you. I know you have this hope that someone will come along with all these beautiful words that will fix you. That's not really practical. People will say things sometimes that will make you so happy, but you can't expect one person to be able to say the perfect thing all the time. We're human, we make mistakes. It's okay.
Don't be ashamed to get help. I know you feel like you're the only teenager in the world who has to go see a therapist. You're not. People all around you are fighting battles you have no idea about. I know you don't want to admit that you have a problem, but it's okay to admit that you're struggling.
Above all, please know that no matter how bad things get, you are loved. I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes, but there are so many people who care about you. You impact so many people's lives and you don't even know it. There's so much wonderful stuff ahead of you. You're going to do things and go places and you'er going to feel so alive and happy. I know the future doesn't always seem bright, but it's all gonna work out. Not in the way that you think it will right now, but it's alright if things don't always go exactly according to plan.
Don't waste your time trying to make people like you. Not everyone is going to like you, and that is okay. You're going to make it even if that one person in your history class doesn't like you. Yes, I know it feels like the end of the world to not be liked, but there are worse things. Trust me. You'll be alright.
Hug your family more. I know you hate hearing this, but time does go by too quickly. Make sure to make the time to spend with the family. They're goofy and loud sometimes, but they'll have your back when the whole world seems to be against you.
I know you're in a sort of bad place right now, but just keep going. Keep going even when all you want to do is flop down on your bed and cry. There are going to be some bad days, I won't lie. But, the good days will make the bad days bearable. Life is full of ups and downs, and you've gotta just hold on and enjoy the ride.
Love,
College Me
