A Letter to the Young. (A Word about Self-Worth)
09:32
Today is a little bit of a serious post, but I feel like I needed to have a heart to heart with you all. Especially with my younger readers.
I would like everyone to know that this post is geared NOT just towards young women, but also towards young men since both sexes struggle with finding a sense of belonging in this world. Many young men AS WELL find themselves to be victims of abuse, having feelings of no self-worth, and depressive tendencies, so I definitely do NOT want to make my male readers feel like I don't consider them in my posts because to me we are all important and we all deserve to feel valued. So without further ado....
My Letter to the Young.
I make a point on my Social Media to reach out to all that I see struggling with depressive tendencies. I think it's because of what I went through as a young adult, by the age of 16 I had already attempted suicide, struggled with anorexia and bulimia, cutting, anxiety, and pretty much felt like I couldn't do it anymore. This thing called life, was too difficult in my eyes at the time. So after talking with several young people on Social Media this week, I thought I would address the issue in a blog post.
First and foremost you are worth more than you could ever imagine. Don't listen to the girls/boys at school who like to mock you or say unkind things towards you. This time, in your life, will pass. You are just STARTING to make your way in this world, just starting to bloom, growing into the person you are going to become. You are stronger than you think and more beautiful than you believe.
I have girls messaging me saying things like "I wish I was beautiful... like you."
No, I did not always look the way I do now, I don't even look the way I do now when I wake up in the morning. I used to think I was the cringiest teenager ever because I didn't always know how to value myself like I do now. I STILL struggle with my anxiety and depression, but not as much as I used to. My marriage has almost fallen apart many times, the hardships made me doubt my self-worth yet again... but God wouldn't let me give it up. I also didn't always know that I could turn to those in my life with a proven track record of being there for me and be open and honest because they loved me, they are such an amazing support system.
PSALM 139:14 (KJV)
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
The problem when we are young is that many aren't looking 2-5-10 years into the future. That is a far away dream to us when we are young. But the fact of the matter is, nothing about this time period in your life is going to be the same, high-school will pass, people will grow older and you look back, you will realize that none of it stayed the same.
The kids that were bullied for being overweight might become the fittest people you know, the boy that was called short might of hit his growth spurt late, since boys don't finish growing until after the age of 22, the "ugly" girl might have finally blossomed into her features, the kids that nobody thought would do anything in this world, might become the most successful.
In all truth, nothing in your teen years will stay the same into your adulthood unless you are not making the effort to move forward and grow. Maybe stand up for the kids you see being mocked and ridiculed, make a friend, you could move forward into an amazing adult friendship, maybe it's fleeting. Nothing will change unless you are pushing for a better future. Don't give up.
I remember the days when I felt like I had to beg people to be my friend. One birthday I remember inviting 17 girls to my birthday party and only one showed up... I still don't have a large circle of friends, I have been hurt, betrayed, and put through the ringer with friends and family. But I don't give up, I don't allow my self-worth to be devalued by the way other treat me anymore. Their opinions don't define me anymore. I remember hearing one lady tell my mom when I was in my most volatile state, that I would probably end up in the gutter... did I? NO! Did it hurt me back then, yes... I still remember it to this day, but now instead of offensive, I just laugh about it because, she obviously said something foolish and purposely hurtful, without thinking about how that statement would hurt my mother and without thinking about the consequences of me hearing her say that. I could have faced life with that mindset and watched myself end up there... thank God that, that is NOT how things went.
John 7:24 (KJV)
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
I also recently have had to lose contact with one of my closest friends, because of their partners assumptions and insecurities of me. We had known each other since I was 9, but sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that other people's insecurities SHOULD NOT affect how you feel about yourself.
I have no childhood best friends anymore, that was the last one. I hope that someday the partner will overcome their insecurities and realize that I care for them and wish them the happiest of lives. I hope that one day we can all reconnect and be close again, but I have to face reality at the probability that it might never happen.
You have the power to change your future. Don't focus on what others are doing or saying. Be you, be strong, be tenacious, be beautiful inside and it will radiate outwardly. I'm not even joking about that statement. Make positive changes to your life and keep your eyes on the prize. You will actually see yourself evolving in the mirror.
Your teens are but a brief blip in the story of your life, so you might as well focus on preparing yourself to be an amazing, thoughtful, kind, wise, and productive adult. Have fun and live life happily while you're a teen, don't let anyone take away that joy you should be feeling while you discover who you are.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV)
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
XoXo,
Hadessah
21 comments
such a beautiful post! I struggle with serious anxiety, so seeing people be open about serious issues makes my heart happy <3
ReplyDeleteAwe, thank you so much! I feel like people don't like to talk about it because it's uncomfortable. But it needs to be addressed, because more people than we realize struggle with these pains and insecurities. I am so glad to have made your heart happy! :D
DeleteAwe, thank you so much! I feel like people don't like to talk about it because it's uncomfortable. But it needs to be addressed, because more people than we realize struggle with these pains and insecurities. I am so glad to have made your heart happy! :D
DeleteI am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love this sentence. I use it like for morning affirmations. Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you!
DeleteGreat post! Thanks for taking the time to address such an important topic!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement! I am glad that you liked it.
DeleteThis is such a sweet post! How could anything made in God's image not be beautiful?
ReplyDeleteSo true! It makes me sad to know how many people don't feel beautiful or worthy.
DeleteSo good of you to share this! And brave for sharing pictures from a time you didn't like yourself very much! I don't think I could do that. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy, but I felt like to make a statement, I had to do so. I am so touched that you enjoyed the post!
Deletethis is a very heartfelt post. we never realize how much can and will change in a matter of years
ReplyDeleteExactly, everything could change, there's never a reason to give up on yourself, as long as you see time in front of you.
DeleteEsther,
ReplyDeleteYour post is so moving. I remember going through tough times when I was younger and it would have been nice to read something like this then. This post really hit home for me when I saw the verse from Psalms. I must have read Psalms 100x when I was going through my most difficult time as a teenager and I can honestly say it helped keep me grounded and helped me get through it.
Thank you for this post! Keep up the good work :)
Courtney
millennialmommysite.com
It means so much to me for you to say that, my hope is that this post can help more and more people come to terms with they don't have to stay in the moment of where they are, God has given us life to keep pushing forward. I am glad that you found this encouraging!
DeleteBeautiful post!! More youth need to hear this message.
ReplyDeleteThis is a much needed message not only for young people but the grown ups too!! I have seen women in their 70's battling with insecurities that rule their lives. You are a testimony that God can heal, make secure, and bring new direction and future!! Thanks for sharing, beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Angelle
www.dashingdarlin.com
Thanks so much! This really made me smile, I do believe that at any age we can fall victim to these issues, I hope that this post can help anyone who reads it :) Thank for the love darlin!
DeleteEsther G
I LOVED this so very much! I specialize in Eating Disorders and I love to hear others passionate to share the message of self love!
ReplyDeleteWow! yes it's such a hard topic, but more and more awareness needs to be brought to it and how difficult it is for girls who are struggling with it. Self worth is SOOO important.
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