YouAlberta
Hey friend,
I’ve been thinking about you quite a bit lately, so I just wanted to write to you, and let you know that I love you because we all need that reminder sometimes.
Do you remember when you were a little girl and when you would go play in the trees, you’d always purposefully choose to walk in the direction that wasn’t broken in yet? Your stubborn self would be determined to squeeze through trees and fallen logs, either dodging branches or breaking twigs off simply because you wanted to prove to yourself that you were the first to be there, and this often earned you some scratch and scrapes along the way. You still do that, don't you know? But this time it’s not walking through trees, well, that too probably—but I mean you have this stubborn habit in your daily life too. Always having to choose the hardest path, to make your presence known or remembered. I want to remind you that it’s okay to take the easy way out sometimes. That it doesn’t make you any smaller or less than, or less accomplished. It’s okay to not choose the hardest option. You’re still going to be present and remembered—it just might hurt fewer things and people in the process.
I see you cut your hair finally. Do you feel lighter? Does looking in the mirror feel as if this is the most “you” that you’ve looked, and yet there’s still a part of you that doesn’t recognize yourself? I think that’s a good thing, means you’re growing and entering the uncomfortable. As you keep growing, I want you to keep in mind how great you are and have always been. Every version of yourself has been who you needed to be at that time—you have consistently put your best foot forward and tried your hardest. You are worthy of love and success, of pure unquestioning happiness. Despite past mistakes and hard times, you have kept moving forward with grace. I am sorry that you carry so much hurt with you and that the heaviness in your chest doesn’t seem to stay away, you do not deserve it. Please remember that you cannot place your value in other people’s hands, you cannot let people who do not value have power over you. Your smile is so beautiful, I miss seeing it and hearing your stories. I hope one day to be able to sit with you and just listen. Don’t stop laughing and don’t stop finding new interests and hobbies, if it keeps your spark going—don’t let it go. Keep moving forward and finding bliss in the tiny moments. These are small things about you that make you a big influence on those around you. You are important and cared for. I am proud of you. Keep fighting the good fight!
You deserve goodness in your life, so I need you to stop chasing it away.
Love,
You.
About MorningStar
MorningStar is a Cree student graduating with a BA in Native Studies in November. She enjoys making her own jewellery, trying to “get back into” reading, collecting way too many plants, and pushing herself to find comfort in the uncomfortable.