First, you’re not alone. In more ways that one, you’re still not alone.

I know you feel like you’re the only person in this entire world that could possibly feel this lost and confused… but you’re not. I’ve been lost. I’m still getting out of there—and slipping back—but I’m working on it. Every day, I’m working on it. I haven’t been lost in the same way that you have, but someone else out there has. So know, someone else has felt what you’re feeling.

You’re also not alone in the fact that I’m here for you. If you need to vent, call me. If you can’t call, text. I don’t care if what you have to say makes sense, is just rambling, is crying, or is just you needing to think with someone on the line. I probably won’t have the right words, but I’ve got ears to listen (granted I have really bad hearing so if you don’t mind yelling, it’ll work perfectly). A tip: texts and snapchats don’t wake me up, only phone calls do. When I fail to pick up because I’ve fallen asleep or lost my phone. I know your family is more than ready be there, and you now that, too. This is just a reminder.

Now that you know that, I also want to tell you to not give up on yourself. This is a new year. I don’t care one bit how cheesy it is to tell you that this is your new chance, because it truly is. Forget the tribulations and uncertainty that you’ve been feeling; this is your chance to leave it behind. This is your chance to decide that in this year, in the new year, you will chase down what you know you want. You will take the time to do something just for you, because in that you can find out things you didn’t know you wanted and you can see things you couldn’t before. That all sounds so far away but don’t, for one second, think you can’t do it.

I know that you can. I know that you are strong-willed, smart and kindhearted, and I know that even though you don’t know what is happening right now or why, I know you’re beyond capable of figuring out what is best for you. As a person who will be trying with you, by your side, and sometimes behind or in front of you, this isn’t where we stop or give up.

Focus on your determination. You have used it time and time again to get through countless obstacles like managing school and work and a million other things. You have used it to fight for what you believe in and for what you want. Focus on your love. The love that you have for your friends, family and animals—that is love that never fails. The love that you have for your future, for your goals—that is love that will never let you down.

Basically, I am here to tell you I believe in you. I am here to tell you I love you. I hope this came at a time you could use it, and I hope it reminds you of how amazing you are, and how blessed I feel to have you in my life. I wrote this to remind you that this is a point you will overcome in time, and what you will take from it and make of it is what matters. Don’t forget to text or call me. I love you, and I am proud of everything you’ve already done!