An open letter to: You

Hey you,

Though we have not met before, nor are you yet aware of my existence, I hope today was good to you. I am writing this after spending hours thinking about what this letter should say, and what words I should use to make this worthy of your attention.

I will start by telling you that even though I do not know you, I know a lot about you. I know that you hate something about yourself. I might not know what exactly, but I know you hate something. Maybe it is to do with the way you look, or perhaps you think the problem is in who you are. And I know this has been eating away your mind, creeping up whenever you feel even a little low.

I know you like to pretend that words can never hurt you, but when you are alone, you let them sink deep in your heart and join the thousand other comments you are never able to remove. I know you have your favorites, the ones that come back when you’re weak and hit you right where it hurts. And they always do, because you always let them.

I know there’s someone who did you wrong, and I know that you pretend to be okay with it because saying anything different would mean admitting that you will never be able to forgive them. I know that somehow, you’re hurting, that every once in a while, you cry and cry and cry, wondering why you’re so broken. I know you look at all these other people and hope you’ll be able to smile like them soon. When someone tells you- they love you, instead of feeling loved, you doubt them. You wonder if that person really likes you or if they’re just pretending because they find you pitiful, or if neither, you wonder how long it will take them to realize you are worth nothing and move on.

But you know what, I also know that you are a work of art. Or maybe, you are not art, not the art we see in all its beauty, even though, like art, you also can only be perceived and understood completely by a lucky few. But art is also open to interpretation and not always valued for its deepest meanings. A piece of art can be called simple. And you are so much more than simple. So, no.

No, you are not art.

You are the person who inspires Art. You are capable of inspiring someone to write and rewrite and scribble poetry on every sheet because they want to get their metaphors right for your sigh. You are capable of making someone want to spend hours trying to mix the perfect hue for your eyes. You are capable of inspiring someone to close their eyes and sing about yearning to meet you. You are someone, who inspires art, and don't you think that makes you a glorious human?

And imagine, if you believed me, really believed me, when I said that you are inspiring and amazing? What if you accepted that you are not defined by what and how you feel? What if you accepted, that all the nastiness that clings to you will be gone with time, and all the good you do will last for eternity? What if you believed in yourself? What if you did not feel so sad anymore?

Because someday, when passing by someone with a great style, or a great smile, or just someone who looks like they are doing great. You will actually find yourself complimenting them about it, and you will really mean it, and maybe, they will believe it. Then someday, someone else will compliment you, and you will believe they meant it because, if you can be sincere, so can the rest of the world.

And I know that one day, your difficulties will stop stopping you. One day you will believe in your dreams again; you will not think twice before you do that thing or take that chance. One day you would save a life and realize that life is so much more than just existing. Maybe that life will be your own.

I know that someday you will realize that you are worth a lot more than what you think you are. And then maybe even while you struggle with some old issue, you will finally find in yourself that courage to admit you need help. And even though that does not change the world, it will change you. That will be your way to change the world. Because saving the world begins the day you realize it is worth the effort and that to help someone else, you shall first help yourself.

There is still so much that I wish to tell you but maybe next time. For now, I will bid you farewell and hope you continue to shine bright as always.

Love,

Someone who is just like you

-s