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
- 09:32
- 21 Comments
