A Letter to You (Ciera)
Dear You,
The one who has been holding on for so long, despite the weight of the world. The one who is often sat in silence, wondering why they are slowly breaking. Wondering why no one seems to notice their pain, and begging for the day when it will stop.
The one that often feels, yet also struggles to feel at all. The one who has forgotten what day of the week, or even what month it is, as they all appear to be rolling and fading and merging into a blur.
The one that smiles and laughs and dances with their friends, under a veil of frequent “I’m fines”, in fear of letting their mask slip. In defense of not wanting to seem “too much”, “too dramatic”, or as a cause for concern.
The ones who put their own struggles and needs aside every day to support their children and loved ones, trying to give them the world that they believe they have long lost.
The ones that muffle their face with a pillow at night to keep their tears silent. The ones counting their calories and avoiding mirrors. The ones that cannot think straight, or the ones feeling too afraid when they do.
The ones who are unable to truly be who they are.
The ones losing faith in God, and the ones clinging onto his omnibenevolence.
The ones who have lost hope.
I see you, and I hear you. Loud and clear.
To be able to break so much, and take so much, is a true testament to your strength. Despite everything that life has thrown your way, you’re still here waking up and holding on.
Thank you for not giving up. For not allowing the world’s darkness to consume you so totally that the universe will never again have a chance to embrace your magic.
There are terrible things in the world, everywhere. But everywhere, there is also good. And it’s those good things, no matter how big or small, that are here to smile at us and say, “Hey, keep going.”
You are deserving of the good that the world has to offer, even when your mind tells you otherwise. Love, in all of its forms, food to fuel your body, and to meet any goal that you wish to achieve.
You likely will have heard these words before, and believe me when I say that I understand it’s easier said than done to “keep going” when the world has torn you apart. But your story isn’t over yet – there is still so much left for you to write, in whatever way you wish. With whatever influence you can have.
So please don’t give up on yourself today, not now, not ever. You have come so far and will continue to, but please go forward with kindness directed at your own heart.
Even if all you did today was keep breathing, that’s an incredible and beautiful thing to never underestimate. I love you and I’m proud of you, and I hope you one day feel proud of yourself, too.
If you are feeling down and need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Letters Against Depression if you haven’t already. We send letters of hope and support to those who need someone there for them. You can request to receive letters here.