I'm not some random person who doesn't understand what you're going through, I'm some random person who has been through what you're going through. Almost 4 years ago I tried to take my life. I was 15, a sophomore in high school. It seemed like then, my life was getting really complicated. Negativity, loneliness and self hatred were constant black clouds hovering over me. One night things kept getting worse and worse so I made the decision to get rid of the "problem". That action was not completed. That action did not work, and I am so thankful everyday for that. The next week after that I was horrified with myself because I just tried to end my life and I never thought it would come to that. And then it hit me. I was so focused on the bad things that were happening around me that I couldn't even notice the good. My brain was tricking me. From that moment on I decided that I wasn't going to let the small things bother me. I was in a constant battle with myself, but I was winning. If it wasn't for whatever was holding onto me, I wouldn't be siting here at 10:15 on a Friday night eating Raspberry sorbet writing to you.

Your brain is tricking you too. It's telling you that you're not good enough but it's so entirely wrong. Can you see yourself in the future? Because I can. I can see you being a phenomenal supportive parent, a successful business owner or even being a foster home to 12 dogs, 8 cats and dozens of other animals. I can see you, so why can't you? You're worth the fight. Appreciate the little bubbles that get into your nose when you wash your face. Appreciate the dog down the street that wags his tail uncontrollably when he sees you. You make him happy, he needs you.

Please don't be afraid to reach out. Go to your best friend, your favorite teacher, one of your parents, or even me. You might think that your parents are going to be ashamed that you're feeling this way, but I promise that they'd rather cry with you now than later when you aren't here anymore. You're truly an amazing person and you don't realize the impact you have on other people. Smiling at the quiet boy in the hall might be the highlight of his entire day. Keep making his day, keep living and keep growing. Don't miss your graduation, don't miss raising a family, don't miss hearing the birds in the morning, and don't miss the little girl who hugs you at church. Your family needs you, the world needs you and I need you. I need you here.