My dearest Dreima,

It’s true when they say new year new you.

But let us not make it about everyone else.

This year is about me, you, US. We’ve fought our deepest demons, the ones that creep in our sleep.

This time around we’re not letting monsters instill fear in our hearts.

Feel your beat. Focus on the sound of your voice. No one else can demand you to follow them. You’re not a follower, you drive your own steering wheel.

You will follow the pathway called, “My Life”.

I will be on the passenger side.

Don’t take for granted every mistake you’ve made.

We’ve cried, laughed, and even almost died.

We were hit by the highest hurricanes.

But we never drowned, and you don’t even know how to swim.

Scared of almost meeting death herself, we learned to appreciate the flowers in our garden. This year we will plant more seeds, new opportunities and bigger dreams. We will water our flowers throughout the week, growth and confidence will bloom.

Don’t fear to wear what makes you beautiful.

Be a rainbow, the diamond on the rough. You will shine from a mile afar.

Wear your most gorgeous outfit, your smile.

Be bold to stare at each other in the mirror every morning.

We aren’t meant to stand on opposite sides, but rather united in one mind.

But if on some nights you want to dissolve, it is okay.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you want to let yourself break into a million pieces. I will…we will pick each other up. Embrace all your weaknesses because only then you’ll know what serenity feels like.

Tell those that you love that you can no longer give them all of you, because they only give you half or no love at all.

You need some of that love to continue thriving.

Because in order to care for them, you need to heal yourself first.

First, you must now put yourself first.

Don’t believe the whispers on the street, you are not selfish.

People can sing without knowing the beat, but only you know the words to your song.

So hold on to what gives you the most strength…your family.

You made promises, and some went with the wind.

This year you will fly and reach for those promises because you will make them come true.

Remember it won’t be easy. No matter the weather, you will be rewarded with flowers in the winter. And even when they’re dying you will lift your pedals up.

I cannot wait to see you, us walking down the stage. Looking over at the sound of the ocean, clapping for our success.

Sincerely,