Dear Shadows,

We have been acquainted for quite some time now. Sadly, though, in this relationship I am the one that follows. You, my shadows, are what I have spent most of my life hiding behind. You are constantly driving me up the wall, but in reality the only person I should be upset with is myself. You did not choose to be there, I put you there to separate me from my own self worth. You are the barriers I decided to put up so I would not be able to see or accept anything good that I bring to this world. It is almost as though you are some strange form of a body guard. I hate myself for inviting you into my life, but I know it is due to the low self esteem I have acquired.

One of the reasons here is because I do not feel as though I am good enough. Everywhere I go, and anything I do, there always seems to be someone two steps ahead. They are the ones creating the shadow for me to hide in. There will always be some one better, and sadly I’ve found myself accepting that. I’ve found myself accepting quite a few things lately, and that just isn’t a road I’m willing to go down. I’m tired of standing in the dark, and all I want is to be able to not hide myself away.

Most days I find myself quietly going through the motions and following in the shadows of those around me. For years I have watched people come and go, hoping that someone will finally notice and pull me out of the dark. What I have come to realize though, is that I might just need to be the one to do it.

I have always struggled to fit in, and I have always struggled with being good enough. These shadows though that I tend to hide behind, aren’t what get to define me. Who I am and what I achieve is what I get to show off to the world, and it is about time I started doing so.

I know I am not the only one who struggles with hiding behind the shadows in their lives. It’s a safe bet to not get yourself hurt, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t a price we pay for it. This is for anyone in the world who continues to keep who they are in the dark. For anyone who has ever hide behind another because they have thought they were not good enough. I hope you all find the courage to step out into the light, and show the beauty you have to offer.

And this is for the shadows created each and every day. May there be a day where there will no longer need for you to hide us, but instead to stand behind us where you are meant to be.

Sincerely,

All of those hidden in the dark.