Hello there.

I just wanted to write a letter to you, the girl who is worried about how she looks. I know what you are feeling while you look in the mirror contemplating what to wear, or how to fix your hair to make it look better. I get it, I want to look good too. And there is nothing wrong with that until it becomes so much of a worry that it takes over your life.

I know it's easy to doubt that you are truly beautiful in this crazy culture that we are living in, with all of the magazines, photo-shops, and make-up commercials that tell you your life will not be complete without full, beautiful eyelashes. I understand why you are feeling like this; it's only natural when everywhere you go you are judged by your looks. You want to put your best foot forward when stepping out the door to the world. However, there are so many double standards in our society about how women should look that it can be frustrating to even try. It seems that no matter how you look, someone will always look down on you for your appearance. Maybe you are skinny and are laughed at for not having curves or called "anorexic" as if that was something that should be joked about, not a serious medical condition. Maybe you have always worried about your weight and have been called lazy or "big".

I just wanted to say I am sorry for however society has made you feel. I am sometimes appalled by how far people will go just so they can feel better about themselves. I also wanted to say, you are stronger than the ridicule. When did a number on a scale or on a clothing tag become such a big deal? It is just a number, right? The measurements of your body are exactly that: physical measurements. And aren't you so much more than that?

You are a wonderful person that has so many other fantastic qualities about you. You have a fire in your eyes for passions that make you love the world. You have a uniqueness that brings a little more peace and wholeness to the world... yes, you! As Aibileen says in one of my favorite books, The Help, "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." And you are loved, by people here and by your creator.

Another one of my favorite quotes is, "If you could see yourself through God's eyes, you would see how amazing you truly are." God made you and He knows what He is doing. You are amazing and beautiful and it pains me that our mixed up society has made you forget that. Even if you do not believe in God, this quote still applies to you! Someone out there loves you to pieces just for being you. Don't doubt that.

And never forget that you are captivating and beautiful. Do not let those negative thoughts get you down. Would it not be wonderful to live this year and the rest of your life to the fullest? Without having to worry about the shape of your body or the number on a scale? I know it will be tough, but you are one tough gal! I know you can do it! And I will do it with you! Let's make this the year we stop letting society tell us what is important, because at the end of the day, society does not define us. We are the ones that define us.

Keep on being gorgeous and changing the world just by being you!