A letter to those who have suffered through the bruises, waterfalls, despair, and body erosion because of the anguish done by perpetuating beasts.

You are strong, beautiful, amazing, and glorious. You shine brighter than any diamond in the ground and star in the sky. You were able to survive some of the darkest pain and suffering, yet you still stay and do your best to go about your day.

I've been there too, with the abuse and bullying. I'm only 19 years old and I've experienced physical, mental, and emotional abuse and sexual assault. I was just like you or who you were: I cut, I burned, I cried, I wanted to end my life... I wanted to end the haunting memories of abuse.

When I was in first grade, my friend choked me because I wasn't doing what she wanted. But that wasn't the end with her. She would push me and make fun of me for various reasons. Even after 3 years of silence, she continued to torment me in middle school. I slept over her house once and she poured water down my ear twice, she thought it would be funny to yell at me for not enjoying her abuse.

In second grade, I was sexually assaulted by my babysitter's sister. Repression of the memories only lasted for 5 years. Until flashbacks screamed through my head again once again.

Between fourth to ninth grade: she just started with tickling even when I said stop. But eventually, it also became name calling and downgrading. Then it became slapping, pinching, hair pulling, and kicking.

Finally, last year I was emotionally tormented and manipulated. Constantly, I felt myself draining and losing energy. He desperately made me stay and tried convincing me to leave my boyfriend. He manipulated me into thinking he needed me to survive. I took 13 months until I ended the so called "friendship" of guilt, emotional abuse, and more.

I was teased by guys throughout elementary and middle school. I felt intimidated and insecure, I felt lost and intimidated constantly by guys who thought it was fun to make fun of me.

But I've learned something from this: feeling weak does not mean you're not strong. Whether or not you're able to lift the weights of your baggage, regardless of how light or heavy it is, you still find a way to move on. You may or may not need medication, counseling, or even both, but you know what to do when it happens to someone else.

And be amazed at what a smile, hug, or word will do for you and others. You can be the light in the dust that breaks through; just show the world your beautiful self.

I know from experience that it is not easy going through the pain of the past, or even the present, but you're made to be strong. You're stronger than you think you are and you're braver than those who've hurt you.