Dear You,

You are hopeful.

When things happen, you are there bouncing back up without letting it get the best of you. Even when other people think you won't make it, you prove them wrong by making it out even better than before. You don't let people get to you...their comments are in one ear and out the other.

You are social.

There is not a weekend where you aren't out hanging out with one of your many friends. Walking to class is an event because of all of the people that acknowledge your existence every time you pass them...you are never ignored. Your smile is an infectious flower, providing happiness to everyone you encounter on any given day.

You are beautiful.

Your face does not require a bit of makeup because there is nothing for you to cover up. You live life effortlessly, your hair bright and healthy. You don't have to obsess about facial cleansers and you never focus on what hat to wear to cover up the weeks worth of dirt on your head. You're the girl everyone thinks is so beautiful without even trying. Truth is, you really don't try...you're just naturally pretty.

You are open.

A new experience is never a source of anxiety for you. In fact, you crave new experiences and adventures. You're open to everyone's suggestions of what to do, where to go, or who to meet. There's nothing that you're not willing to do (within safe boundaries). This is what makes your life so interesting and worth living.

You make smart choices.

When a difficult decision comes your way or when you're offered to do something dangerous with some friends at a party, you never say yes. You're strong in your beliefs and you stand by decisions you make. Your choices are intelligent, informed, and reflect what a grounded person you really are.

You have a strong immediate family.

Breaks, weekends, and even during the week, you are in contact with your mom or dad. Your mom calls you “sweetheart" and your dad never fails to remind you that you're his “princess". Your siblings are your best friends and you talk almost every single day. There's nothing that you would trade your relationship for and if given the opportunity, you'd give them the world.

You are loved.

Best friends, family, and people from school, are all around you giving you the love you need to feel okay about yourself. Even when you're going through a difficult time, there are people there around you who never leave you, and they remind you that they're there for you without you having to remind them first. Your life is genuinely valued.

You are confident.

You never have to spend hours editing photos to post on Instagram. The Google Search history of your entire life shows no weight loss plans, magic pills, or ways to lose weight fast. You've never dreamed of plastic surgery. That's because you're perfect...you exercise regularly and are proud of your body anyway. A swimsuit is never a source of anxiety for you. You don't think twice about sizes you're wearing or the way your body looks because everyone loves you no matter what.

You have supportive friends.

Whenever you leave, you are genuinely missed. People notice when you leave the room. On holidays or birthdays, your best friends text you without having to get a reminder. No one is friends with you just because of what you can do for them. You're invited places, treated with respect, and understood and listened to without judgement.

And finally...you love yourself.

Truth be told, you are everything that I am not. In fact, you are the exact opposite of me. Despite how much I try, I could never become you because you are authentic and you are "normal". No amount of therapy, hope, or genuine conversation could make me...you.

Sometimes, if I try really hard, I think I am starting to be you. But then I'm brought back to the reality of the reflection in the mirror; my reality. I remember then that you will always be the girl that I wish I could've been. Truth be told, some things so broken can never be fixed.

Sincerely,

The girl who could never be you