Dear Me

Dear Me,

We haven't spoken in a while. I know you think to yourself--a lot. But have you heard me lately? Have you given yourself time to respond? You know you are enough. Have you told yourself lately? Even when you don't feel like you are, what you do every day is more than enough.

Every morning you wake up with that familiar ache in your body. But you operate on autopilot because if you don't, who will? Remember to enjoy the little things. Don't stay on autopilot too long. Take in those little moments that bring a smile to your lips, a laugh, a touch, a kiss, a hug. These are all moments for you. Enjoy them. This is why you do what you do, and you do so much. The little things are enough. The big things are more than enough.

Dear Me,

When you look in the mirror before you've covered up your flaws with makeup, is that all you see? The sparse eyebrows, the blotchy skin, the giant pores. Tired puffy eyes that haven't slept more than five hours a night since you can remember. Yes, you deserve a break. Make that time for yourself. Take a nap instead of doing everything else. Everything else can wait. Don't mind what everyone else says, put on that makeup because applying it is a calming, therapeutic process for you. Wear that makeup because it makes you feel good.

Dear Me,

When you go out do you display a version of yourself that you've reserved especially for them? Remember that their opinions do not matter. You are not out here for them. They will see what they want to see--and so will you. Kindness is important, and judgment is only a reflection of one's self. Remember that.

Dear Me,

When you open your mouth to speak are you true to yourself? A voice is only a voice if it is your own. What you say is crucial to whoever chooses to listen. Remember your children are listening. They are listening and watching. They see and hear you, so be true to yourself, love yourself for them as well as for you.

Dear Me,

You are tired, but you are enough.

You are beautiful and you don't need to feel that way for anyone else but yourself.

I know we don't talk a lot and when we do it is rarely positive. When your feelings take a negative turn I hope you hear this letter to you.

To me, from me.

You love so fiercely, and those around you feel it every day because you make sure of that. But don't forget that there is plenty more of this love to leave for us.

Love yourself, because I love you.