Dear Past Self

Hi. I know you’re probably thinking that’s a very boring way to start, but I know you—if I had made it any longer, you wouldn’t have read it. There’s so much I want to say to you, but there’s not enough time in the world, so we’ll start by saying STOP.

Stop blaming yourself for the things you couldn’t control.

Stop letting people walk all over you just because you wanted people to like you.

Stop holding your emotions in and taking everything out on yourself.

Just STOP.

I know you think that everything is your fault, but you’ll soon realize that it was your depression and anxiety trying to win. You can’t let them, because even though it’s not perfect, life does get better.

You were battling demons you were too young to understand, but you still made it through—because you’re strong. The things people did to you hurt, and I know, because sometimes I still think about them. But everything that happened only made you stronger.

I do have some advice though: SPEAK UP.

If you keep letting people walk all over you, you’re only hurting yourself, and you should always be the most important person in your life. You’re going to have to make choices that may hurt the people you love, but if it’s what’s best for you, try. You’ll meet people who will love you just for being yourself, no matter your flaws.