To My Younger Self: Please Don't Fear Your Uniqueness

Dear Me, so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed:

Wild child who can’t sit still, full of joy, bouncing off the walls. Yes, you are strange, but please don’t fear your uniqueness. Be you; don’t grow bitter. Stay strange and amazing.

You have so much potential. Yes, your mother is right — you are smart. Stop believing when people tell you otherwise.

It’s OK that you don’t need people. That makes you independent, not defective. You are not cold and robotic; you are calm and logical. Yes, you do things differently, but someday this will be your strength.

The people who picked on you — it was them, not you, who had the problem. Bullies are often insecure and in pain on the inside, lashing out to make themselves feel bigger. Don’t be like them. Stay kind.

Silly girl who talks to the animals and trees. Never stop. Don’t worry about what other people think of you. You are perfect just the way you are.

With deepest love,
Me

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