A letter to self

Dear me,
To start with, I am so proud of you. Life hasn’t been too easy on you lately, and I am truly sorry about that.

During our past life journey, I am sorry that I was not great enough to ignite your motivation, was not good enough to encourage, to appreciate you. Sorry that I allowed you to hang your head down low. I was not all ears to listen to your problems. I did not stand up for you. I know how you’re feeling. I know the exhaustion that stretches across your skin and the emptiness returning to your chest after a long year. It has been a long one. You’ve survived so much. I also know you ache to be remembered. You yearn to be longed for. You want people to see and know you. You hope to be that person for them—a person worth loving.

But despite it all, you have managed to keep your head up and continue fighting throughout. Be proud of everything you have gone through, and mostly, what you’ve become. Try not to be so hard on yourself, we both know you’re doing the best you can. You don’t have to try so hard. The pain is not your fault. The pain is not a character flaw or a quick fix. You don’t have to blame yourself for it or pretend it’s not there. Feel it. It’s OK to feel. Feeling takes strength.

It’s OK to be in pain. It’s OK to say you’re in pain. But always remember: You are not your pain. You are living with pain, but pain is not everything. The pain is, but you are more. Everything will make sense to you one day. All the pain hurt, and frustration will become worth it. Remember, everything happens for a particular reason. You are in the exact place you are meant to be right now. So breathe, be patient, and trust the course of your life. Let go of all the expectations you have created in your head. Accept reality as it comes. Accept life for what it is.

Don’t take everything so personally and try to not let others get you down. Most of the time, things have nothing to do with you, and everything to do with the other person. When people hurt you, try and understand their side of the story. Forgive them. Learn from their wrongdoings, and then let them remain in the past. Not everything is always how it appears.

You are perfect in every way, especially with your flaws. Accept the things that make you different, while embracing everything that makes you unique.

You are so strong, friend. You have been all along.

Yours only.