Dear Me,

I know that when you look in the mirror, you are not satisfied. You see your flaws written across your forehead. You see your mistakes flashing like a neon sign above your head. And your failures weigh heavily on your shoulders. You are tired. You’re tired of running because you fear time. But time is not your enemy, right now, you are your own enemy. The only way that you will not be able to accomplish your own dreams is because you are holding yourself back.

You’re too hard on yourself, but you were meant to do difficult things, so don’t underestimate yourself. Your life is a living testimony that what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. You might be battered and bruised, but they are marks of a warrior; not marks of a victim. So it's time for you to start living that way. It's time for you to begin living a life you are proud of. You need to learn to be a little more selfish, and take more time to work on you, because that's the most important person you can invest in.

So consider this your own life-long, personal bucket list. It only takes about 21 days to form a habit, so start making these yours. Your past self will be so proud, and future you will be so happy.

Keep your guard up, but not so high that no one can get in.

When someone compliments you, believe them. They are probably telling you the truth.

Make yourself happy. If you can’t make you happy, how is someone else supposed to?

Figure out what you want in a partner, and don’t settle.

Allow your heartbreaks to make you stronger, not weaker.

Take others' advice, especially from the people who care about you. They won’t let you settle.

Don’t bear everything on your own shoulders, learn to ask others for help, or even just ask them to listen.

Listen to others when they tell you that you have self-worth, and apply it to your life.

Believe in your own self-worth. Others will start to believe it, too.

Know that material things are petty, but you will always have memories.

Respect yourself enough to say no.

Don’t waste time with people who don’t respect you. You have beautiful friends, appreciate them and don’t give too much of your time to insignificant people.

Don’t be detoured by road blocks, they are meant to be conquered.

Be content with yourself. Singled out your flaws might be hard to swallow, but together they make you, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Take time to love yourself, because you are oh so loved.

It’s time you start believing you can move mountains. You are so much more than you give yourself credit for. You have a purpose, if you don’t fulfill it who will? Continue to push yourself, but also let yourself celebrate victories too. You have fought to become who you are, so don’t be ashamed of yourself. Wear your trials proudly, because they are just that: trails. Trials that you have overcome. Which means that in the end you have won, just as you will continue winning. The world sees you as so much more than you see yourself, so try a different angle. You might be surprised at the amazing person you are. And most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself a break; you’ve earned one.