I know what it’s like to expect the best from someone, and then get the worst. I know what it’s like to have finally found a best friend, and then discover their true colors later. I know what it’s like to pour yourself into a relationship, and then have it destroy you. I know what it’s like to feel alone for weeks on end. I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider. I know what it’s like to have people ignore you and pretend like you don’t exist.

I know what it’s like to have been lied to, and lied about, for weeks-even months. I know what it’s like to be talked about behind your back. I know what it’s like to have all these things happen to you when you are 9 hours away from home at college. I know what it’s like to have nobody truly understand what you’re going through.

I know that it will be hard, but I know that it will be worth it.

These hardships that you face in life will make you a better person. They will teach you valuable lessons early on in life. Lessons to not put all your eggs in one basket. Lessons to not base your self-worth on how successful your social life is. Lessons to not define your identity by how others see you. The truth is, life is not all butterflies and rainbows. Life is hard.

There are those moments of sadness and disappointment, but there are also those of happiness and joy.

In order to get through life’s hardships, we must find the good in every day, whether it be that you got Chic-fil-a-sauce with your meal, or that you met a genuinely nice person.

Just know that whatever hardships you are going through, you are not alone.