I hope, one day, you fall in love with being alive. I hope you learn to care for the atoms that have created the intricate human you are, as deeply as you care for others. I hope you find yourself looking in the mirror and admiring the way your hair envelops your soft face.

I hope you find people you are not scared to give yourself wholly too. You must remember that you are a gift, and the people who did not want you before have no voice over the exquisite being you are today.

I hope you find yourself in a kitchen, dancing with the person you love, and letting pure exuberance fill your shaking body. Never vilify the laughter that erupts from the deepest parts of you and makes you tear up because you can’t believe you are this happy. Do not vilify the tears that slide down your peach fuzz cheeks when you are not okay.

We were made to feel — the good, the bad, the in-between. We are here, living and aching with the longing to be alive. Yet we are so scared of the things that taught us not to love ourselves that we find ourselves fearing the thought of taking risks. But we need to take risks. We are guaranteed the very moment we are in, and that is all. Why don’t we say what we mean and tell people how we feel? Why don’t we do what makes us happy, around the people, places, and things that make us happy? I promise you will fall in love with being alive.

Remember to give yourself the love you give others, because you are here under the hurt and scars that taught you to be afraid, still giving it your all, and I am so proud of you.