Your feelings matter; what you are going through matters. The thoughts that are constantly bouncing around in your head and are keeping you awake at night, matter. Your fears and goals in life, matter.

Please know that your emotions are valid; there is a reason you feel the way that you do. It’s tough to hear someone tell you to “just get over it” or “stop feeling that way” because don’t you think I would if I could? Like somehow you could just magically flip a switch and suddenly all of the sadness and insecurities disappear? If only it were that simple.

You are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You’ve been through a lot of difficult situations, and yet here you are, still standing; some deep cuts and nasty looking bruises, but still standing nonetheless. All of the negative things that have happened in your life will only make your stronger, even if you don’t see it now, hopefully you will someday.

I admit, sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty in the world when it seems that all you hear about is hate and violence, but do me a favor and look at yourself in the mirror: You are what is beautiful in the world. Stop thinking that you aren’t good enough and give yourself a break. Quit comparing yourself to others and love the person that you are. On the contrary to what you may think, you are worthy of finding acceptance with yourself. You deserve to love the individual that you are.

All in all, remember that you matter and that you make the world a better place.