Hey girl,

I wanted to take a moment to talk to you. First, let me tell you—it’s okay to not speak like everyone else. You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. There are so many people just like you, navigating attention struggles, dealing with depression, and feeling different. You are not alone. And you are not defined by the wrong touch you experienced at a young age—that was not your fault.

You can be yourself, unapologetically. You are not ugly—you are beautiful. You are love. You don’t have to carry the weight of your mother’s trauma or live out your parents’ dreams. You deserve to live for you. There will be people who like you just as you are. That smile of yours? It’s radiant, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

It’s okay to learn differently, to move at your own pace. It’s okay to let go of the things and people that don’t serve you. Anita, it’s okay to live. It’s okay to live your life and forgive the past.

And Anita, about your dad—I know he was a protector and a provider, and you admired him for the way he took care of things. But you don’t need to look for men who remind you of him, especially the parts of him that don’t align with your heart. You don’t need a man who carries the same wildness or chaos. What fits your soul is peace, patience, and understanding.

Be patient, baby girl. Everything God has for you is coming. You don’t need to carry the world on your shoulders or save everyone around you. Focus on saving and loving yourself.

You’re worthy of every good thing this life has to offer. I love you, boo.

With love and belief in you,
Your Older Self