Hey friend,

You know that I have never been good about expressing how I feel out loud. Sometimes when I get nervous I have a hard time maintaining eye contact, which makes getting my point across kind of difficult. I always do a lot better when I can write things down, and that's one of the reasons why I'm writing you this letter, but that's not the only reason.

I can tell that you've been struggling recently. I have heard you talk about how you're not as happy as you used to be, and that you don't feel like yourself very much. You say that you don't know what has caused this change within you, and you plead for a way to get out of this strange rut that you're stuck in.

I don't know when exactly you started feeling this way, or what it was that sparked these emotions, but please know that I am here for you, and I want you to know some things that you might have forgotten throughout this season of struggle.

Firstly, you are so loved. You bring beauty and joy into the lives of everyone you meet. You are a light. You soften the hearts of others and pour compassion and thoughtfulness into them as though you were made of the stuff. Not only do you constantly capture the hearts of your friends here on Earth, but you have a Father that loves you more than anything in this world. He loves you more than you could ever ask or even imagine, and you are so worthy of that kind of love. Let that truth dwell within you and bask in it every single day. Brand it on your heart and keep it as a frequent reminder.

You are never alone. Please don't ever feel like you are having to live in this trial by yourself. There is always an open ear that wants to listen to what you have to say, and you have friends who would want nothing more than to walk with you through your times of loneliness and suffering. Know that you are never, ever a burden and that there is freedom in asking for help.

Don't be afraid to live out the life that you want. Follow wherever you're being led, and be unapologetic about it. Laugh at what you think is funny, and don't feel obligated to laugh at what you think isn't. Remember to love yourself. Eat Oreos in your bed and wear the outfit that you love so much, and don't worry if people will think that it's silly. Cast all of your anxieties on Him, because that's what He wants.He doesn't want you to struggle or feel lost because that was never what He intended. He is more than willing to take on your troubles for you, so let Him.

You are so beautiful, and you are so strong.

You are exactly who you were made to be, and there is so much peace in knowing that.