My dearest Survivor,
I know a lot of people are probably telling you that your problems are nothing in comparison to what others are facing. That you should take a step back and appreciate all of the wonderful things in your life and be grateful that you aren't facing something much worse. While this is somewhat good advice and being appreciative of your life is very important to your happiness, I personally feel like this advice kind of sucks. On the receiving end, you feel underminded and inferior. It makes you feel weak for not being able to handle your problems, and for even admitting them.
I'm here to tell you that your struggle, your hardship and everything you have faced is real. You are strong, no matter what you have been told or what you may think. And while other people may face terrible feats of a much greater magnitude, you are still facing a hardship and that in itself is difficult. This isn't easy in any way, but you have the strength and poise to get past this. You will beat this. It's only a matter of time.
That being said, it's okay to cry. You're going through a lot. There are times when it is going to be too much and that's okay! It's more than okay, it's human. Crying doesn't mean you can't handle things, it doesn't mean you'll fail. It only means you have emotions. That you care about people and things that may or may not be out of your control. It is you body's' way of acknowledging your pain and you'll probably feel a lot better after you let it out. So please cry away, let it out, it's a beautiful thing.
Lastly, you are beyond wonderful. You're amazing and fabulous and honestly fantastic. You can light up entire rooms with your smile and you look super hot in those jeans. So don't forget that. Don't forget to grace others with your beautiful smile. Don't forget for a second that you're great. There are people out there who love you and would do anything for you. Those people will catch you if you fall and keep you going when you think you're not strong enough -even though you definitely are.
I believe in you. You can totally do this. No matter how bad it may seem now, it will always get better.
Lots of love,
Your friend,
Sydney
