Dear Future Self,

I know I've always sat on my bed and stared at the stars through my window into the endless night sky, wondering if I was good enough. I've wondered if who I was could be loved and accepted by the people closest to me. But even then, they don't feel close because they don't know the dark thoughts that cross my mind at night that make me stifle countless sobs into my pillow. I feel too scared to tell them, "Hey, I might not be who you thought I was," because on some level, I don't want them to feel like the entire time they've known me has been a lie. It hasn't, but I feel like I live a lie because I'm pretending to be someone I don't think I am. So please, I beg my future self and anyone suffocating on their secret emotions to know that you are good enough. No matter what, everyone deserves to be loved and feel safe with who they are, whatever that could possibly be.

Find support in close friends and open up to those you trust with your life because otherwise, you might regret it for the rest of the time you live. Do things that make you happy, whether it is blasting music and singing at the top of your lungs until they feel like they might burst or pick up a hobby you enjoy that you use as your outlet for your depression, stress, and anxiety. This is your life, heck, if you feel like dancing in public, do it. Don't let anyone put you down; don't let anyone get to you because they are simply bullies who take out their problems on you since misery loves company. It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to feel sad. When you are plastering on a smile and a laugh for everyone to see, know that it is okay to feel the way you do, and you shouldn't feel the need to hide. Don't sweep everything under the rug until you can't breathe. Know that it is okay to feel the way you do. This is your life, make sure you live it the best you can. And please, forever know that everything will be alright even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment. You will be okay.

Forever keep this in mind,

Present Self