Dear Teenage Me, 

If you’re reading this, I know that you’re struggling. I know that you think happiness seems like a million miles away. It may not seem like it now, but it’s going to be okay. I know you get drunk just so you can fall asleep at night. I know all of your secrets. I’m you, from the future. You’re so much more than you think that you are; you’re amazing. 

You have long way to go on your road to recovery, but you’re going to be all right. As of writing this, I’ve been in therapy for a little over a year. Going to therapy was one of the best choices that you’ve ever made.

I know that it seems like the world is against you, but those are lies that toxic, abusive people put into your head. Those lies were designed to hurt and control you. 

Always remember that you are a smart, kind, honest, passionate young woman. You deserve love and respect. 

I know that you struggle to feel loved because you’ve been hurt. But you need to know that you’re deserving of love. You have been hurt and abused by people who you’re supposed to be able to trust. I’m sorry that has happened, and it is not your fault that you have been hurt. I hate to tell you that into your adult year, you’ll struggle with abuse and pain. But you’ll learn your worth, and you’ll learn how amazing you are. 

Your mom will learn the truth, and your mom will learn to trust you. You will start to build a loving relationship with your mom and your sister. You will need to grow and become a confidant for your mom.

You will go to a university, and you will become a writer. When you pursue higher education, you will meet lifelong friends and learn your worth. You will meet friends that know and love you. You will come to terms with your past and your struggles. You will become an advocate for rape victims and find purpose in what happened to you. You will meet lifelong friends on your healing journey. You will be ok.

Featured image created on Canva by Keely Messino