As I watched the new hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, tears filled my eyes.
Like many of you–I related. To the pain. To the hurt. To the bullying and depression…
Many of us have experienced the pain of loneliness. The pain that comes from mean peers. No matter our age, we all realize that life is hard and many of us have wondered, “why am I here?”
However, I want to share another message. A message about why you, the person reading this article on some technology screen, are here on this earth.
1. You are unique.
There is no one made like you on this earth. You are the only you this world will ever see. I know sometimes that feels difficult, that no one can relate–but that is just a sign that there is something in you that can change the world for the better. Your struggles are different, but so are your talents.
2. You are loved.
Whether this is by your parents, or an admirer you had no idea you had. You are cared for by at least one person in this life. Your death would make someone cry. Your death would ruin someone’s life. And if you feel like there is no one, just remember the guy who created you loves you more than the mountains He painted and the stars He hung.
3. You live in a dark world and you have the opportunity to be a light.
Yeah, you know what – this world kinda stinks. Death takes those we love, people can steal your hope and trust, and no matter how hard you try, sometimes you cannot be good enough. But when your heart is broken and you feel weak, remember your strength can come from above. Your trial can be a testimony and your life can tell a story about the greatest loves of all time. Give others hope even when life stinks.
4. Your pain is temporary.
One day you’re going to be tucking in your kids, reading them a bedtime story and hearing “good night mommy and daddy…” And at that moment I doubt you’ll be crying about the boy who broke you heart or how lonely you once were. You will forget about the mean rumors about you. Valleys help make mountain tops more beautiful and every rainstorm leads to a rainbow. I’m not saying you will be able to forget every traumatic moment in your life, but I am saying that those scars can make your stronger and help you push forward when the going gets tough.
5. You have so much to live for.
There are places unseen and people who may change your life for the better that you have not yet met. Trust in the journey we call life. You are not done.
6. You are not God.
The same one who placed you here on this earth has a divine reason for your life. You are not a mistake. Your life is purposeful. Do not try to be God and write the story. Wait for His, He writes the best stories.
7. Someone out there, one day, is going to treat you right.
Maybe everyone around you is being hateful and mean. However, for every mean person there is someone out there living a life of love. If you can’t find those people yet, be patient and continue to look. You will one day find people who love you and are kind.
8. Your identity is not from this world.
Gordo once said, “who you are is way more important that who you sit with at lunch.” Your identity doesn’t come from the size of your jeans or how many likes you get.
9. This world does not define you.
You are going to find someone who tries to tear you down. The best revenge is building yourself up. While someone focuses their energy on tearing you down, focus on growing stronger. Elle Woods has Warner, and Taylor Swift has Kanye. Always be kind and do not let their opinion of you determine your future.
10. It is a bad day, not a bad life.
Maybe you had a horrible day, or maybe you had a horrible year. However, remind yourself that the pain you are experiencing is temporary. No matter how bad of a day you had, there are better days up ahead. Hold on to that hope.
11. Be the person you need.
If you are surrounded by mean people, be the kind person you wish you had. Kindness is contagious and kindness wins. And as you grow older and when life is going great, be the person you needed when you were younger. Be the change, and help someone going through what you went through.
12. The trials of today are memories of tomorrow.
Your worst moments can make you stronger. When I think of the years I was bullied, as stupid as it sounds–it made me kinder. It made me closer to God. And it made me the woman I am today. Let your trials serve as your testimony.
13. God loves you.
He cares. He loves you. He died so you can live for Him. He held His hands out for you saying “I love you this much” only to have them nailed to a tree. He died. But he rose, and will come back.
Life stinks and I was once at the point where I wondered if this life was worth living. I had mean peers and insecurities that I lead me to think I did not need to be here anymore.
However, in that same thought, a figure came and told me one day I will be able to use my pain for good. That same voice told me, “something as simple as your breath is proof that I'm not finished with you yet.”
God is not finished with you and suicide is not the answer. Trust Him. Talk to a friend. Most importantly, never forget you serve a purpose for this world and for His Kingdom.
For more articles on self-worth check out my blog by clicking here!
I would also like to add, mental illness exist and there is nothing wrong with that. Seek help from a doctor or mental health specialist if you expereience suicide feelings.
