Dear Younger Me,

I see you. I see how hard you try to be brave when inside you’re unsure, the doubts and confusion you have about life itself, how it works and all. I know you're scared sometimes, even when you pretend to be strong. I know you put a smile on your face to hide away the pain you actually feel inside when you’re hurting because you don’t want to bother anyone. But here’s the truth, your feelings matter. They always have and always will. You're loved.

Life will throw shade at you which will make you question yourself and how life is unfair to you. People will doubt you. Sometimes you’ll doubt yourself too. But listen carefully, you will get through more than you think you can. The moments you thought would break you will become the very moments that make you stronger and each day that you survive you become a winner.

Please don’t be afraid to protect your heart, take care of it. Not everyone you love will know how to love you back, and that’s not your fault. Learn to walk away from people, habits, and places that keep you small. It won’t be easy, but it will set you free.

Celebrate every step you take, even the tiny ones. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now but trust that in the end you will win big. You are allowed to change your mind. You are allowed to grow. And most importantly, you are allowed to take up space for your own peace and health. You don't have to do it all alone, there are people who actually care and want to see you win big too.

One day, you’ll look back and be proud of the person you’ve become. So keep going, keep on moving and mostly keep on believing. And don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not enough because honestly you are.

With love,

Me

By Simone Oersen