Read this.

Hi I’m Steph. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, but I can guarantee you that we have a lot in common. We’ve all been scared, we’ve all cried ourselves to sleep, we’ve all been hurt by someone, and we’ve all been broken. I can also tell you that whatever you’re going through, it will get better. It might not seem like it, I know, but it will. Not today, not tomorrow, or the day after that, or even the day after that. But one day, it will. One day, you’re going to be able to wake up in the morning and hear the birds chirping, and the sun shining, and you’re going to smile. 

I know you have scars. And I know that no matter how hard you try or how long you wait, it’s not going to go away. I’m not telling you that you’re going to completely healed of the pain, but i’m telling you that it will get better. It will get bearable. Your scars are beautiful, you just don’t see it yet. But imagine yourself 20 years from now, with a family, kids, a loving husband/wife. And one day, your child would come up to you and say, “Mommy/Daddy, what’s that?” And they’re going to point to your scars. And what will you tell them? What can you tell them? Are you going to tell them all that pain you went through? Are you going to tell them about how you cried yourself to sleep every night? Are you going to tell them that you had suicidal thoughts every so often? No. You’re going to tell them that in life, bad things happen. But it’s going to be okay. because look where you are now. You’re alive. And that’s pretty darn amazing. And that child standing in front of you? You’re going to treat them like your world because you know how it felt to be completely alone.

I hope you guys understand what i’m trying to say here. Your scars represent how freaking amazing and strong you are. Because one day you’re going to look back and think, wow. I did it.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, stop. Because I know what i’m going to say is going to sound harsh but read it anyone. You’re being selfish. Really, really, selfish. Life is going to give you a lot of shit, trust me. It will. But suicide isn’t going to solve anything. You’re going to leave every life you’ve touched broken and shattered into pieces. And they’re going to live their whole life thinking, “What if?” What could they have done to have changed what you did? What did they say to you that ever made you upset? They’re going to beat themselves until their last breath just wondering, “Why?” Don’t do it. It’s not worth it, it’s really not. And if even for a split second, you think that no one cares,I do. And I always will. Don’t ever give me bs how “no one cares” because look around you. You’re surrounded by people that would give up everything for you.

If you have self-esteem issues, listen to me again. You. Are. Fucking. Beautiful. And I know that phrase has been overused. But you really are. Don’t ever let a person’s words, a mirror, or a scale ever, ever, change that fact. Because well, you can’t expect anyone else to love you when you don’t love yourself first. Look in the mirror, sweetheart. And stop those tears from falling. Because that reflection? That’s someone pretty fucking perfect and unique. You know why? Because there’s no one else like you, anywhere. You’re so special, don’t mold yourself into those barbie dolls you see at the store. Be perfect for yourself, and if someone else doesn’t like that, well they can walk into the toy store, I mean. There’s plenty more barbies there. Don’t be one.

If you self-harm, please. Please. Please, stop. There’s other ways to counteract pain. There really are. And I know it doesn’t seem like it at the moment, but there are. Please don’t think you’re going through this alone. You’re really not. Please. Reach out. Get someone to talk to. Get a diary, just don’t hurt yourself. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, I will always be here for you. A blade won’t cut away the anguish, it’ll relieve the memories. For what? A second? What happens after? No, you’re not going to do it again. Because i’m not letting you. You’re so much better. You have so much potential, you’re so amazing. Put it down. It’s not worth it.

Dear, I know it’s hard. I know what you’re going through is unbearable, but hang in there. The sun is shining. And it’s a brand new day, tomorrow. Whatever you’re going through, write it in a diary and put it away in a closet. Open your mind, and embrace the love. It’s all around you.

I’m all ears, dear. Don’t hold back. You’re not alone, and I will never let you be. Stay beautiful. Stay amazing. Keep your head in the clouds but your feet on the ground. I love you, okay? I don’t know you but I love you. And I will always love you. So even if you don’t feel loved, you are. And you always will be. Because you’ll have me. Always.

You’re not alone. 

This life is what you make it. No matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they’ll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can’t give up becuase if you give up, you’ll never find your soul mate. You’ll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.—Marilyn Monroe