Dear Queer Religious Teenage Self,

You don’t remember this, but you once told Mom that you liked girls at a young age. The reason that you don’t remember realizing that you are queer at such a tender age is that your parents are pastor’s kids and Pentecostals. Their reaction to this information about you led to prayer and fasting. You learned…read more

I cannot go into full details, but I do want you to know, it is better to love yourself fully and let go of those who choose to hate you. There is no point in trying to live up to their expectations, because all they expect is to use you and break you down. Its okay to say no and set healthy boundaries, no one is worth breaking you down to the…read more

Javarr,
My gosh, it’s been years since I’ve seen that baby face with curiosity written all over it. Don’t worry, we keep the same face, but you’ll finally get that beard you’ve been shaving your bare face to get.
Well, I was sent here to write you a letter, and I’m hoping this will answer your every dying desire. Alright, it won’t, but you still n…read more

To My Younger Self,

Everyone tells you time will heal all wounds.
They tell you that you won’t feel this way forever.
That the future holds more happiness than you can imagine.
They tell you to look to the next day and move on from the pain you feel now.
That everything gets better.

Instead, lean into your pain. Learn to cope. Learn to deal…read more

Dear younger me,

As I sit here and reflect upon the years that have passed, I am filled with a surge of emotions and a desire to reach out to you. There is so much I want to share with you, but above all, I want you to know that you are worth of moment in this lifetime. Yes, you, with all your flaws, insecurities, and doubts. You are worthy of…read more

Dear Valeria,

I know you can’t see it right now. The fear and anxiety are so tall and wide they block the sunlight in your mind. When you first heard the news it felt like the world stopped spinning. You were careful, took evey precaution, but fate intervened.

So many questions unanswered, how will we survive this? Are we ready? Can anyone…read more

I hope if you’re thinking of
Pickin up you’re phone
That you’re planning on
Having a long talk with your mom
Find out where the root of all your problems came from
Once you get that weight off your chest
You’ll breathe
Trust me, I just took my first breath

I know it was probably
Hard for her to hear
But I want you to think about
How hard it was…read more

Yes You !

I want you to know it’s ok to not be ok but don’t stay down for too long. Happiness is definitely on the otherside. If it won’t matter 10 years from now let it go. That friendship was a foe. Relationship was a blow but you still have so much to show. It got worse before it got better. Remember wanting an apartment of your own at 16 it…read more

Dear Fourteen Year Old Me,

I don’t know when it started to become a part of our daily routine but I go to the same small little cafe-type restaurant every single day. Dim light fills in around the dark walls and tables, and light chatter fills the place. I sit at the same table, too. The surface is almost unscathed, except for a few small knicks…read more

Dear me,

I know it must be crazy to be finding this letter, but it’s really me. Well, you, Vanessa, from the future. I’m now 24, married with 2 kids. Crazy right? I know your life seems so hard right now and I’m not trying to dismiss the pain you’re feeling, but I know it all too well. Feel your feelings and live your life. But be safe. Surroun…read more

Dear Amanda,

Thank you for valuing empathy above all else. You’ve been listening to your parents, as well as treating them with kindness. You’re loyal to your friends and always willing to try new things. Social justice is important to you and your actions are meaningful.

However, by prioritizing everyone else, you’ve left yourself to be forgo…read more

Hush teenage Ashley please don’t cry if only you knew what your future looked like. I understand you feel lonely and unloved too but trust and believe that God has big plans for you. The emotional trials and tribulations that has constantly let you down is a required prerequisite to prove you are worthy for the crown. Sleepless nights and…read more

Dear lima it’s crazy you were 13 thinking about ending but you were so young so beautiful. I’m 29 still struggling with the moods and being on borderline of being bipolar and boardline. But at the end I always find new beginning and I live again remembering that there is beauty in this world when our trauma makes feel displeasing and hideous. But…read more

Dear Younger Self,

I hope this letter finds you well. As you navigate through your teenage years, I want to share some advice that I wish I had known at your age.

First, I urge you to focus on finding your purpose in life. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities and distractions of teenage life, but it’s important to take some…read more