For some reason, a lot of people are always surprised when I tell them that I was bullied all through school. Sometimes people still try to bully me. I want to help other girls who have been in my position understand that it gets better. Remember to always stay strong.
Dear sweet elementary school girl,
I know how you feel when you thought she was your best friend. But, instead of being the friend you thought she was, she pointed out every part of you that was different. It hurt your feelings, but you were too young to understand what exactly she was doing to you and yourself esteem.
She was mean, but she was your friend, right? Friends are just kidding. They don't mean what they say. But now, as you've grown older, you see how that girl was the first of many that will try and break you down.
Dear cute middle school girl,
Those boys are so mean; I know how you feel. They make you question everything about yourself, and it's in these moments where you wish your mom allowed you to wear makeup. You wish you were like those skinny girls who seemed like they were turning into women so young. You wish you were "that pretty girl" because school would be so much easier.
You wish you weren't so clumsy or so opinionated because then no guy would tell you that "you're just a girl! Who cares what you say?" You wish you weren't so smart because then guys wouldn't feel so intimidated by you, and they wouldn't make fun of you anymore. Sweet girl, don't listen to them. All of those qualities will make you strong.
Those days you came home crying because a girl was mean or a guy kept making gross "your mom is hot" jokes won't matter one day. One day those experiences will be funny, but the pain they caused will still be there.
One day those people who tried to make you weak will watch you be so much more successful than they are. More successful than you ever thought you could be because you made yourself stronger from being bullied not weaker.
Dear beautiful high school girl,
You have to deal with guys actually liking you. You're so beautiful, kind, smart, and so many other things; but boys are still mean, and girls got even worse. They got jealous and angry that you grew into the wonderful young woman you are.
Don't let their negative words hurt you and try and listen to your mom. She knows what she is talking about. I'm sorry for all the bullying you will have to go through in high school, and I'm sorry for all the boys who will break your heart.
I know you really thought they loved you, and you thought that you really loved them, but just try and learn from the heartbreak. You will eventually meet a guy who won't play games while you two are dating. I know you are worried about school and your future, but that will all work out great for you, I promise.
Just try and have fun. Enjoy your youth because adulthood isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
Dear gorgeous college/university woman
Has your boyfriend mentioned how beautiful you are today? If he hasn't, just know he is thinking it all the time. If you haven't found that special one yet, have you looked in the mirror today and told yourself, "you are beautiful"? Because if you haven't, you need to! Like right now.
Try not to forget to have fun, okay? I know you are worried about being prepared so you can get your dream job, but trust me, having some fun time will be helpful! Also, be prepared to lose some more friends, and for those moments to be hard. I know how caring and loving you are, and that losing people you love is devastating, but try and think of it like this: if someone doesn't want you in their life, you shouldn't want them in yours.
You deserve people who appreciate you, so never settle for less! I just hope you enjoy these years. You have dealt with so much, and I am so proud of the woman you have become. You are strong, dedicated, intelligent, loving, and resilient.
Life is too short and for you to let people determine your life. Just remember we are all proud of you. Please keep up the good work; you deserve all the good in the world!
Love always,
The girl who has been there, too.
