Dear Sixteen Year Old Me,

This time in your life is challenging. It's a different experience from most of your peers. It must be hard when you are sick all the time, and all you want to do is be a care-free teenager. You are a trooper, and I am amazed by the strength and courage that you have. Please remember to not be so hard on yourself, none of this is your fault, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. Your depression is not your fault. You have had to go through more than a lot of people, and it's OK to feel sad for yourself sometimes. You are doing everything you possibly can. The doctors are just missing something. Please, reach out to the one's who love and care about you. You can't do it alone. 


I know you are sick of people claiming "it's all up in your head," or that you have an eating disorder, but as grandma says this to shall pass. Everyone has challenges they face, big or small. Yours happens to be a little bigger, but just think its a part of your story. Life is not one straight path. If it was, life would be pretty boring, don't you think? 


This is not how you envisioned high school to be like, but high school is so glorified. I'm sure you would agree with me, these are not the best years of your life, but I promise it gets better and you have so many things to look forward to.


You are at a point in your life where you care what everyone thinks, but stop! Be You. You are good enough. You are smart enough. You a pretty enough. The people who love you will love you just the way you are. I know this sounds like a silly cliche, but I can honestly tell you,  once you are happy with yourself, things will start to fall into place. 

Always Remember to...

Find joy

Even in the most challenging of times

Life's all about the smallest moments

Which bring the most gratitude

Do what makes you happy

And find your passions

Do things because you what to 

Not because it's what is expected of you

Challenge yourself

Move outside of your comfort zone

Do things that will push you 

Things you thought you could never do 

Because it is in those moments 

Where the greatest learning occurs 

And always remember

You are loved

Love, 21 year old me

4.7.12