For My Best Friends

Originally published on August 27th, 2017

Hi,

Everyone told you you'd have to work harder than everyone else. Everyone told you that fear is just to motivate you, and everyone told you that being tired is just a sign you're doing something right. 

Everyone was wrong. 

Yes, you will have to work hard to get to where you're going. But no, fear is not always good. And no, being tired does not mean you're doing what you should be. 

Being tired means you need to sleep. Yes, sleep. Close your laptop and shut off your phone. The messages, emails, and due dates can wait eight hours. Crawl under your blankets and hug your stuffed animals close. Close your eyes and drift off into sleep. 

But when your alarm goes off, don't hit snooze. Step onto your floor and lift your hands into the air. Let yourself be thankful for what you have and take deep breaths. Drink your coffee slowly and read a poem, or three. You don't need to rush. Eat something. I don't care what it is, just eat something. Whether it's as fancy and prepared as pancakes or as rushed and hurried as a granola bar, eat something before you leave. 

When you step outside into the fresh air, walk with the knowledge that you know. You know yourself, you know where you're going, and you know that even if you don't know those things yet you will soon. Work hard, but not so hard that you physically can't work any harder. Push yourself, but be kind to yourself. Try things first, but ask for help when you need it. 

You are not one-half of a whole, you are the freaking circle. You don't need anyone else to come in and rearrange you. If someone is taking away from who you are, or they are adding negativity and disaster, it's okay to walk away. There are people who will know that you are whole. They will know that all they can do is add, and they know that all you can do for them is add. You can't change people, and you certainly can't change the people who want you to change them.

There will be bad days. There will be days when even after you've slept and eaten and had enough water you still feel tired, and hungry, and dehydrated. Those are the days for good books, good music, good people, good silence. There will also be good days. Days when you feel as though you could run forever, and days when nothing is in your way. Those are the days for rejoicing and laughter. Remember these days, write them down or take pictures. Record them in your memories and hold on to them as long as you can. 

Lastly, remember that you are you. You are not anyone else, and that's a good thing. Cut your hair if you want or grow it out to be as long as Rapunzel's. Do the thing that scares you the most. Think about what you want in life and then chase it. You are smart, talented, funny, beautiful, kind, and all the other things that you've already been told. You are capable. I have complete faith that you can do whatever you set your mind to. 

Love,

Me