Dear Shuna Rae,

Hey there gorgeous girl. It’s me…well you. I wanted to write this to you to let you know that you’re a beautiful girl inside and out. I know you don’t hear that from too many people, but I’m here to tell you that you’re one of the most beautiful girls I’ve seen; after all, I see you every time I look in the mirror. I know you’re going through a hard time in your life right now, but it WILL get better. I also know that you’re trying to find yourself and your place in the world; just work hard and enjoy your life as a teenager.

I know how you look in the mirror and wonder, “Why don’t I look this girl?” and “Why ami so skinny? If I was bigger, more people would like me.” Honey, I’m here to tell you to love yourself. You don’t need to look like anyone or be anyone other than yourself to make people like you. I know how hard it feels dealing with a low self-esteem, so you cover it up with attitudes and harsh words. I know how hard it is to look at yourself in the mirror sometimes and wonder why you’re not as beautiful as the people you perceive to look better than you. I know how hard it is to wake up insecure because you know someone is going to tease you about your weight. It’s okay, baby girl. Four years from now, you’re going to love yourself. Not because you have a wonderful man that loves you the way you are…because it’s because of that man’s love that you realize how to love yourself. You realize how to love each and every part of you from your big eyes to your “baby feet.”

Ms. Shuna Rae, you’re going to have so many friends who turn to you and that you can, in turn, lean on them when you need them. You’re never as alone as you feel. As for your household, I know you want to run away. I know you’ve had terrible thoughts of ending it all. But honey, keep living. Your happiness is coming; God won’t leave you, even when you feel as though He’s forsaken you.

I know how sweet of a girl you are, even to those you feel like don’t deserve your kindness. No matter what, continue to be kind. Your friends will come and go, and you may bond to newer friends. You know the friends that will be with you for the long run; if they can deal with you at your absolute worst, then they will happily deal with you at your best. Be kinder to your friends as well. I know how you snap off; trust me, you still do. But learn up relax and remain calm. Try meditating. Or yoga. Or anything else to calm you. I think you should try your hands at beauty and hair ;-). You have a great life ahead of you, filled with joy and laughter. One day you’re going to be a wife. You’re going to be a mother. You’re going to be the comfort your family turns to after hard days at work and school. You’re going to be an amazing friend when you allow yourself to be who you really are. You will be loved, honey. You will. I know you can’t see it now, but your family loves you. You all just have a very weird way of showing it.

Btw, lose the stress you have and chill out a little; it’ll cause you to break out and I know you hate that haha.

I may be four years older now since I was 16, but for the 16 year old still inside of me, this is for you. I know you wouldn’t listen to the love of your life, or to anyone else, but maybe you’d listen to an older you. I love you, younger Shuna Rae. Everyone you’re close to loves you. Don’t forget that baby girl. Be happy. You deserve it <3.