Hey, you.

If you're reading this, you may have been feeling down lately, and for good reason. Maybe the media is getting to your head about what it means to be beautiful, what it means to be healthy. Maybe the ones you love haven't been giving you the support you need. Maybe you're missing someone, feeling empty and lonely without their presence.

I'm here to remind you of your worth.

You see, I know how you feel. I would be lying if I said I looked in the mirror every day and smiled back at my reflection. It seems there's always a next step I can take, another self-care improvement, and THEN I will deem myself beautiful, THEN I will be enough. Lose 10 pounds and then you'll be happy with yourself, sound familiar?

The truth is, yes, maybe there are things about yourself and your body that you want to change.

But wanting things to change does not discount the fact that you are already whole, already beautiful, already yourself just as you are now.

In fact, it seems backward thinking to say we will only be enough whenever we reach whatever goal we have put out for ourselves. When we love someone, we choose to love them simply because they are. You deserve that same love.

You were only given one body, one soul to live in, and there is no other one like it. How can that not be enough?

There are lots of messages sent out every day about what it means to be "pretty" but you are so much greater than what you've been taught. What matters most is what you tell yourself every day, and though you may not tell yourself so (even though you should), your body is yours to take care of, to live in, and that makes it more than enough.

The same goes for beauty on the inside. Maybe you've been feeling inadequate based on your accomplishments, where you are in life in terms of school, career, or relationships.

Take a second to breathe and remember that you've already done so much, just to get to this moment that lies before you.

You've already come so far. Whether it be making your way through school, getting a job for the first time, or navigating different relationships, you've done it all. Be proud of yourself for these things, and be kind to yourself if you feel like you're not doing "enough" right now.

Remember that when it comes down to it, it isn't your outward appearance or accomplishments that truly make you who you are. When it comes down to it, the greatest realization of you being enough comes from who you are in your soul.

Yes, the other stuff is important, but nothing can compare to your heart, the way you make people feel. That is what truly matters.

So, you, whoever you might be. I'm sorry you've been feeling this way lately. I hope at least some of my words have offered you comfort, yet I understand if you're still feeling a little lost.

The beautiful and scary thing about accepting that you are enough is that no one else can do it for you. This power is yours.

You might be wondering how to at least start this acceptance. Well, whoever you might be, I need you to forgive yourself.

Forgive yourself for every time you have fallen short in your eyes.

Forgive yourself for the times you messed up, the times you didn't reach your goals. Forgive yourself for every time you looked in the mirror with disgust, rather than love.

I hope with this forgiveness, you will soon come to find how worthy you are.

Treat yourself with care, you're doing just fine. Be gentle with yourself, you deserve it. The way you talk to yourself matters: remind yourself:

You are enough, always.

Love,

Sam (a girl who doesn't always feel enough either)