Who Would’ve Thought We’d Make It This Far?

 Dear Younger Self, Thank you… for holding on when everything inside you wanted to let go. Thank you for choosing to fight even when every battle left you exhausted. Life has been relentless at times, and yet here you are… still breathing, still trying, still standing.  I still remember when you used to fantasize about delivering a speech in public. And yes you did it. Back in Grade 9 and up until now, you’ve achieved what you once only dreamed of: becoming a dedicated public speaker.  And now… you’re a writer. You pour your heart into pages and let people find pieces of themselves in your stories. I promise to protect this heart that feels so deeply. I’ll take care of us now. --- Do you remember when loneliness made you settle for people who only shattered you? When you mistook chaos for connection just because you were desperate to belong? You’ve grown beyond that. You’ve learned to choose the ones who see your worth. You’ve built a small, warm circle of people who actually love you.  And don't forget that we have a healthy and supportive family. Our parents and siblings love us deeply, they are our biggest fans and supporters in this journey as a student and a writer. And self… I know you still carry bigger dreams in that quiet heart of yours. You want to write a book someday, to touch lives you’ve never even met. I want that for us too. I’ll be here to help you reach it, step by step. I’m planning to publish a book in the near future to reach more readers. Life will keep testing us and I know that. But because you never gave up, I’ve become stronger. Thank you for not letting your thoughts drown you. Thank you for always choosing to rise, even on the days you couldn’t see the point.  Thank you so much for always giving me reasons to keep going. I’m about to open a new chapter of life as I step into adulthood (18 years of age), but know that you will always be remembered for who you were: the introverted kid in class, the nonchalant one, and everything in between. We’ve come this far, and I know you’re proud of me. Someday, with God’s help, I’ll make the dreams you once whispered to the stars come true.  I know how much you love the idea of becoming a lawyer , and though I’m not entirely sure if I can grant that wish, one thing is certain: your goals in life will be fulfilled one by one. Respectfully Yours, @rufajane