Dear Younger Self

As I sit at my desk looking at this blank piece of paper, I am trying to figure out what to say to you. Your life wasn’t easy and you were dealt some bad hands early on but you took each obstacle and turned it into something positive or made it a lesson learned. You were able to take all of the bad stuff and morph it into something meaningful. It took you a few years but you were able to move yourself forward. You were able to take the hurt and anger and transform it into a reawakening. Your life had a lot of ups and downs, moments when you weren't sure if you could survive. But you did!

When I look back at all the things you were able to accomplish, I'm in awe at your vigor to survive. Even from the beginning you were determined to not let the bad things take over your life. Those moments you cried in the shower so your child couldn’t hear or the sacrifices you made to make sure food was on the table and clothes were bought. You proved your doubters wrong when you walked across that college graduation stage with your associates degree in hand while working a 40 hour a week job and taking care of a toddler. Yes, you did have help but being able to do all those things at once was a miracle in itself. And you were the kind of person that no one could say gave up.

Most normal people would have given up halfway through but you took each obstacle and transformed it into something astonishing. You went from just surviving to learning how to live. You realized that you had a right to love, to have fun, and to be happy in your own skin. It took many years but you did it. And you should be proud of the person you became. But the most important thing you were able to do was show your child and all your nieces and nephews that with effort and hard work you can do and be anyone you wanted.  So in conclusion I just wanted to say how proud I am of you on how you never gave up. I hope you continue to strive for only the best in your life.

Sincerely,

Your Future Self