There are 7,714,576,923 in the world. In Canada 1 in 5 people will personally experience a mental health problem or illness; 3 of those 5 people will claim to have felt at one point in their life or their whole life as “alone with their diagnosis”
This is for the girl who came into the world November 26th, who really had no say on being my forever best friend. For the girl who once used to sing every word wrong to all of the Britney Spears songs but had every dance move 100% perfected with sass. This is for that once little girl who has grown to be one of the strongest women i know, who has gone through so many dark times – but still determined to fight for light.
It frustrates me i could never take your pain away, being your older sister my biggest responsibility has always been protecting you. It hurts me when i can’t; i hope you know that. My days go better when i know you’re smiling. I know you find it hard to credit yourself but i want you to know every day you should be very damn proud of the person you have become. You should scream it in bold actually.
This world can be mean, I’m very grateful to have you by my side through it to teach me it’s two-sided faces. As we’ve gotten older, we have different interests, jobs and responsibilities we often don’t get to see each other as much as we did when we played ‘pretend’ or barbies for hours when we were young.
This open letter is for you.
Remember to:
Be yourself
The most important thing is to always be yourself, and secondly never apologize for being who you are. We were all born in life to be the name we were given never to be perfect. Besides if you weren’t you, you would be lame I know it.
You can accomplish anything
Don’t let anyone tell yourself that you aren’t capable of what you want to achieve in life. It says more about them. You have the potential to move mountains and no matter how long those may take to move know it doesn’t mean you failed. Put your heart in everything you do and never for one minute second guess yourself you are capable of doing many great things in life and I know you can accomplish anything you set your determined mind to. Never let anyone stand in between you and what you want in this world.. you got this.
Know your worth
I want you to know you’ve never been a disappointment in anyone’s eyes. You’re beautiful no matter what kind of day it is or hour. You’re smart, honestly I’ve always been jealous of how intelligent you are. You’re amazing, and determined. I am very proud of what you have been accomplishing don’t for one minute let anyone discredit you. Never settle for less then you deserve, trust your judgement and instincts but never degrade someone personally. Your diagnosis doesn’t define you remember that your bravery from your battles does.
Mom’s always know best
She’s never wrong. (Most times lol)
Keep your friends close
Always remember having 1-2 friends is fine and that doesn’t make you “less cool”. Choose friends that keep you grounded, and make good choices. Remember that quality is always better then quantity in life. Maintain your friendships they are important and i know your friends care deeply about you. Make time for them when you have it, friends are hard to come by and loosing friends hurt more then i could explain to you.
I’m always here
I don’t care if it’s 2AM and you can’t get back to sleep, I’m telling you to knock on my door, I’m always up for one of our all nighters again. I want you to know you can tell me anything. Remember that i will always be here for you. If you ever feel out of place, second guessing yourself I will always come to call and pick you up just give me the time & place.
Never give up
Don’t give up. Things do get easy. You’re doing great.
Put your heart in everything you do, it will show in the end. You have a life worth living and people who care about you, I don’t know what i would do without you. At times when you feel stuck like your in quicksand or your shoulders feel like weights are on them, push forward. You are the strongest, bravest, most beautiful person i know don’t let anyone diminish that from your character.
I love you.
Your Never Alone.
Kait.
Your Dose of Kait 