It took some time to realize that not everyone is as nice as my mother raised me to be. Not everyone cares about your feelings, and not everyone practices the "treat others how you want to be treated" principle.

I wasn't prepared, because life hits you in the face unexpectedly, and at times pretty hard while you're growing up.

You never think that people can just disregard the feelings of others; they can. I never thought that someone’s only care and focus could be on themselves.

To the girl that was mean to me in high school, I know you had problems of your own and bringing people down made you feel better. Thank you for helping me realize that others opinions do not change who I am, and that accepting myself was something I had to do. I hope you're doing well; I forgive you.

To the boy that broke my heart because he couldn't accept that one girl was enough. Thank you for helping me see my worth; it helped me learn and grow. I hope you're happy with the love you have now; I forgive you.

To all those who have thrown my name in dirt, I know that sometimes it's easier to talk down on someone rather than accepting your own self. I used to do the same thing until I learned that it is so much easier just to spread positivity. I hope you've learned to do the same; I forgive you.

To those who doubted me and told me I couldn’t succeed, I know that it’s hard to believe in big dreams, and I know I’ve always looked at the bigger picture. I hope that I’ve surprised you in the best ways, and I forgive you.

To my old best friend that turned their back on me, I remember how hard it was to find myself, and sometimes you have to do it alone. I know you’ve grown so much as a person and I wish you nothing but happiness; I forgive you.

To the people from my hometown who still slander me for who I used to be; I know you think people don’t change. I’d like to invite you to pull up a chair and meet who I am today. Things change; I forgive you.

Time is precious and spending it dwelling on negativity is not the way I'd like to spend it. Forgiveness was so hard and I've been stubborn for so long.

To myself, my biggest critic and my most loyal friend; for being so hard on yourself before you learned to forgive all of the above. To the girl that stares back in the mirror, I am proud of who you have become; I forgive you.

I crave a clean slate and a new beginning. It all starts with picking up my luggage from the baggage claim and unpacking it. I've changed, and there's only a slight chance that you've met me; tell me your name again? Forgive me.