Sometimes we all need a little encouragement. Sometimes life gets us down. Sometimes the people around us drag us down rather than building us up. Sometimes the person dragging us down is ourselves. Believe me, I’ve been there—more than I care to admit. But I am here now to tell you that you don’t need to listen to those negative voices.

Have you ever felt like the world would be better off without you?

Have you ever felt like there’s no one who really cares?

Have you ever said to yourself, “There are nine million people in this world, why does it matter if I’m not a part of it?”

Let me stop you from that train of thought right now. This is coming from a person who has been in that situation.

It doesn’t matter what hand life has dealt you, or where that path has taken you.

YOU MATTER.

Everyone has a life that is worth living. Every single life on this planet matters. That does not exclude you.

Think of your parents. Think of your little brother or sister. Think of your older brother or sister. Think of your grandparents. Think of your best friend. Think of your boyfriend/girlfriend or your spouse. Think of your children or future children.

There won’t be any future children if you ended your life right now.

It may seem like no one in your life cares, but I promise you there is at least one person who would break if you took your life.

There may have been people in your life that made you feel as if you are not worth anything, but I promise you that they were lying to you.

You are not a failure.

You are beautiful.

You are loved.

You are smart.

You will get through this day, and the next.

The sun will rise, and we will try again.

Believe in yourself, even on the days that you can’t seem to love yourself.

If any of this spoke to you, I recommend finding help. That help can come in the form of your best friend, a parent, a counselor—anyone that you trust. Find things that distract you from these negative voices and emotions, or find hobbies that let you express them. Finding an outlet that isn't harmful to yourself or others is an important part of taking care of ourselves.

And please take care of yourself.