You are enough.  Always. 

I know you want to make your mom, your teachers, your dance instructor, your friends, proud with your accomplishments, but they will love you regardless (or even in spite of) what you achieve.  And if they don’t, then that says something too… Because the thing with real love is that it doesn’t grow when you give people what they want, it grows when you reveal your true, beautiful self – with all your fears and quirks and vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability is a powerful thing – don’t be afraid of it.  It’s only through vulnerability that you can truly be seen and heard and find that belonging that you crave – that we all crave.  That you can love and accept love.

Authenticity is one of your core values.  You may not know that yet, but you will.  And authenticity is connected to vulnerability – showing your authentic self to others and not trying to mold yourself into what you think others want.  Not trying to put on costumes or personalities like you’re dressing a paper doll.

Practice answering the question: “What do you want?”  Whether that’s what you want to eat for dinner or where and how you want to build your life… It’s not easy to strip away what you want from what others want for you, because you care too much about what they think.  Practice being still and listening to that voice inside.  It will tell you – but sometimes it’s very quiet and small and uncertain.  Nurture that inner voice, that inner knowing.  It’s something you have to practice, but it will change everything.

And don’t be afraid to lean in.  When you hear from that inner voice and you find those people and activities and environments where you feel most at home in your body, indulge.  Embrace the joy and warmth and peace.  Practice recognizing those circumstances and seek them out.  They may come when you surround yourself with certain people, when you are in nature, when you are reading poetry, when you are listening to your favourite music. As Mary Oliver will remind you, “If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate.  Give in to it…  Joy was not made to be a crumb.”

Learn to say “no.”  Every time you say “no” to something, you’re saying “yes” to something else.  And time is the most precious and nonrefundable resource.  So be purposeful and careful with how you spend it and who you spend it with.

Stay curious.  Be kind to yourself.

You are enough.