Stop whatever you are doing right now.

First things first, I want you to take a second and just breathe. Next, I need you to listen to me very carefully.

I see you.

I'm serious. I know what you are going through, and I know that there is so much more happening in your head that you tell no one about. I know you are working your butt off right now to make ends meet, to pass your classes, to make your family proud, to keep your friends from realizing you are about two seconds from falling apart.

Your feelings are valid.

You probably are not told this enough, but it is true. What you are feeling right now—you are allowed to have those feelings. When you lie awake at night, staring at the ceiling and wondering if it ever gets easier—it is okay. You can feel whatever you feel. Nobody should make you feel like your thoughts and emotions are not important enough because they are. No matter how small or insignificant you think they are.

You are important.

Now, I know for sure you are not told this one as often as you should. If I could scream it from the rooftops and plaster it on sticky notes all over your house and write it on signs everywhere you go, would you start to believe it? I do not know who or what made you feel like you are not important. That was wrong. You are so, incredibly important, and this world would not be the place it is if you were not a part of it exactly the way you are.

It is ok to not be ok.

You do not have to act like you have it all together all the time. I know putting on a show for everyone to see makes it all seem easier—less questions, fewer people worrying, not having to face your inner demons. It is ok, though. You do not have to keep your mask up. Hell, let it crumble to the ground in tiny, shimmering pieces. Let a few tears fall to the floor. Life can wait, I promise.

You do not have to have it all figured out.

I am going to let you in on a little secret: nobody knows what they are doing. You are supposed to have doubts and take risks and make mistakes. That is how you know you are truly living, my friend, and though it is terrifying, it is what makes you human.

I know you want to have everything put together. You like knowing what happens next, you have to have a plan, there is no time for messing up, life will not give you a second chance. That is just life. I have full faith that you will figure it out when the time is right.

The Universe is saving something special for you.

You are here for a reason. It is not to work until you die, or to focus on what others think of you, or worry about all that could be or never will. You are here, right now, because you are meant to be here. You are unique, and nobody could ever replace you.

Even if you do not believe in yourself, I do. The Universe does. If it seems like everything is falling apart and you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, take a breath and wait. I know it is hard, but it will be worth it. There is something special that only you can do and that only you can be given.

Go, be great. I believe in you.