To My Younger Self

I understand what you’re going through.

And on all those days

When the anger and sadness and frustration

All seem too much

And you feel like you might explode,

I want you to think about this:

You are who you are because of what you’ve been through,

And I am who I am because you made it.

We are different and the same.

Taking every day one at a time,

Meeting every challenge head on,

And all with a smile on our faces.

I am truly amazed by you.

The way you stand up for yourself

And the little sister beside you

Because she is too young to do it herself.

She looks up to you.

She will never admit it --

She still won’t --

But she does.

So continue to be there for her,

Even though I know you will

Because it’s who we are.

Also, I want you to try to ignore him --

The father who did everything but his job,

The father who lied and cheated,

The father who created struggles for little girls he called his daughters,

The father who will never be your Dad.

I know it’s been years since you said those three words back to him…

I still haven’t said them either.

Because why should we say them back when all of his actions prove that he doesn’t mean it.

You and I,

We aren’t liars,

Not like him.

I know it seems like he’s everywhere.

He’s always there causing problems

And putting you through more than you think you can handle,

But you handle it.

You will always handle it.

I know it’s perhaps a terrible thought,

But maybe it will help with the fight.

Yes…

We didn’t deserve these problems at your age,

But because of them and the way you handled them,

We are both prepared for what the world may through at us.

And boy, will the world throw things at us,

But you must never be worried about that

Because no matter what obstacle stands in our way,

We always find a way to get past it.

No matter what happens,

We will be okay.

So keep your head up.

Don’t dwell on the past.

Look forward

And see the opportunities,

Not the consequences.

In the end everything will work out,

But along the way

Remember that is is acceptable to not be fine.

Not every day will be fine,

But you can’t expect them to be.

Focus on your goals and passions,

Those are what get you through.