To my young, teenage, worrisome, boy crazy, perfection seeking self:

I know how you're feeling right now. I also know that you are very skeptical to anyone who claims to understand what you're going through. You feel tired, worn out, and alone. You feel like no matter what you do, you are never good enough. You didn't do well enough on that test. You feel like you do everything you can, and that boy still doesn't like you. You feel like you are ugly. You think that no body likes you or wants to be your friend. You think you are worthless.

I know. Life gets hard. You feel like you're running in circles chasing after something that is only getting further and further away. I know. I've been there.

I am here to tell you that it will be okay. These things in life that you have been worrying about will fade. And I have one simple truth that I want you to hold onto for the next few years.

You are loved beyond measure.

You are loved not because of anything you have done or will do, not because you have earned it or deserved it, not because of the way you look or how you dress, not because of your academic, athletic, or social performance, but YOU ARE LOVED because you are the beloved and beautiful daughter of God. He created you; He has given you value, and His love for you will never waiver. He will never ever stop loving you, He will never give up on you, and He cares for you more than anything else in all creation. He chose to create YOU. The exact way you are, every strength, weakness, perfection, and imperfection, HE created for a purpose. The God of the universe makes no mistakes and certainly there is nothing about you that He would change.

So, to my younger self, breathe. It will all be okay. You are perfect. You are SO loved. You have a heavenly father who cares for you and will never stop chasing you.

Do not worry about that grade, that number does NOT define your worth.

Do not worry about him, you deserve to be treated so much better than that.

Do not worry about the past, it will all lead up to something more beautiful than you can ever imagine.

Do not worry about the way that you look, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Do not worry about what they think of you, you are cherished and adored by the One true King.

Sincerely,

Your older (and hopefully wiser) self