A letter to A Friend

Hey there, beautiful.

I know that things have been hard lately and you are in the midst of troubling times. Your head and heart must be everywhere right now, making life confusing and hectic. The problems and issues you're dealing with are real and confusing, and I know that you are trying to figure out things for yourself. As one of your friends, I just want you to know a few things.

You are a wonder. I have seen you accomplish, fail, love, lose, sing, cry and laugh at your worst and at your best. You work hard for everything in your life and continue to strive for more. You're also the one that I can slack off with, goofing around as if nothing else in the world matters at the time but the sound of our laughter. You continue to amaze me and one day you're going to surprise yourself, even if it's not right now. I couldn't be more proud of the person you are and how you carry yourself. Your dedication and strength are inspiring, and you are going to have everything you want in life. Keep reaching and never change.

Your hardship is my hardship. Someone as great as you should not have to deal with heavy problems. But we both know life doesn't work that way, so that's why we have each other. Just remember that I will be your safety net and catch you when you fall. Then, tell me what you want from me. Use me as your verbal punching bag. I'll listen and give you opinions if you ask for them. I'll get you out of the house if you need to go on a drive to clear your head. I'll bring over a bottle of wine and ice cream. I'll just sit there in silence with you. Whatever you need, I'll do it. I want to help in any way that I can.

I support any decision you make. You need to do what is best for you, first and foremost. You have a good intuition, judge of character, and sense of self. All I ask is that you weigh your options and put sincere thought into whatever you decide. I'll back you up and be on your side, through thick and thin.

You are loved by so many. Your friends and family wish nothing but the best for you and want to do well by you. It may not seem like it sometimes, but that's why I'm here to remind you. They're just trying to help the best way they know how. They may not understand you or the situation and will try to lend a hand in ways that don't actually work for you, but remember that they care. You have people who love you; hold onto them and keep them close.

Breathe and take it one step at a time. I'll be right there with you for every twist and turn.

Love always,Your Friend

To my Dear Friend, 

I know it hurts right now. I know that it feels like every breath is hard work, but you’re strong, the spark inside you has not gone out – no one has the power to do that to you, you need to remember that. The hard part about what you are going through is that to look at you, no one would know that you are hurting. No one can see the wounds you are trying so hard to keep hidden, except those of us you trust enough to let behind the walls. I cannot tell you how proud I am that you let us in, that you have asked for help instead of trying to cope alone. No one should have to go through this alone.

I want you to know that there is a way through this, that God does have you in His hand and He will see you through. I can’t give you the answers I know you want, I don’t think anyone can, but those questions will cripple you if you let them. They will keep you tied to the past, they’ll keep your eyes upon all of the things you have no power to change.

Sometimes things happen to us, things we don’t have a say in, circumstances can blindside us and all of a sudden we find ourselves stripped to the core of who we are, raw and bleeding. In that moment, when you look around yourself and feel like there is nothing left, it’s then you need to remember that you always have the gift that God gave to every human being. Something that no one can ever take from you.

Only you can choose where you let your thoughts go – upon the trauma and injustice or upon the possibilities in your future. Only you can choose who you surround yourself with – those who support and uplift you or those who feed your misery and keep you trapped. Only you have the choice to keep walking forward or to surrender to despair and drift away, lost in the void of your pain.

Think about it, sure the choice to move forward is difficult, but it’s yours. Think about how empowering that is! Let that power infuse you, let it pour liquid steel through your spine. You have got power, you can fight, you can win.

It doesn’t mean that there wont be awful days, but what quest doesn’t have it’s challenges. There might be deserts (not desserts :p) but there will also be unexpected streams hidden in those barren places. They will sustain you, and see you through to the next resting place.

You can beat this. I know it, I see the warrior within you. You are a fighter.

Most of all, you are not alone.

All my love

Your dearest friend