My dear friend

I applaud you for smiling, laughing and facing your fears. You are stronger than you think but you don’t have to walk each day with your head held high to please everyone. My friend, it is okay not to have anything figured out, it is okay to fail but always remember to get up. You are someone’s role model and you might be the reason someone still believes that there are kind, determined and brave people out there.

You are a human being and it is okay for you to be vulnerable, express your emotions and feelings. You don’t have to please everyone but what is important at the you made it at the end of the day.

This letter carries some tips on how to take care of yourself. If you have been practising self-care keep up the good work but if you haven’t been doing so, my dear it is never too late to start.

Self-care is not selfish: Taking care of yourself will never be a selfish motive but one ought to practise self-care every day. Because if you don’t do so, no one is going to come and do it for you. Self-care care doesn’t mean doing extraordinary activities. In some cases, you don’t have to go out of your way to ensure that you are happy. You can practice self-care by eating healthy foods and avoid eating foods that can affect your health. An individual can practise self-care by brushing their teeth, taking a bath and looking presentable. These acts will enable one to be confident and not feel uncomfortable when they are around some people.

Learn to be your hero: You don’t need anyone to save you because the only person who can fight your battles is the person you see when you look in the mirror. Remind the hero you see when you look in the mirror about the battles they have fought before and how far they have come on their own.

When you don’t like something it’s okay to walk away and there is no reason for you to explain yourself to others. In some cases justifying your actions when you wanted to be happy can be unnecessary. Because even when you try to explain yourself to others, someone can find fault on why you chose your mental health over your job, over your marriage or your friendship.

It’s okay to say No: If you don’t like something it is okay for you for saying no and you should not be apologetic about it. Not everyone is going to like your responses or your decisions but you don’t make decisions and choices to please others.

Learn to use your voice: Use your voice to ask questions, to questions culture, societal expectations and any practice that can be imprisoning other people. Use your voice to bring joy, healing and hope to anyone going through a difficult time.

Walk away: You don’t deserve to be unhappy and be imprisoned by mistakes and traumas from the past. Your mistakes might have left you with scars but they moulded you into a better person. They enabled you to grow and have the courage to go on. Walk away from the past that reminds you of your mistakes that you wish to erase. Keep hope alive and move on.

Choose your circle wisely: Spend time with people that want the best for you and that are willing to support you when you choose to make big decisions. Have friends that have your interests at heart. These types of friends will support you during the good and bad times.

Don’t be in an unhappy space: If your relationship is not working out, it is better to walk away whilst you can. Don’t be in an unhappy space because you want to please a family member or friend. If you don’t like your job, it is okay to quit and you don’t have to explain yourself to everyone.

Always remember to choose your mental health and practice self-care.

Lots of love

The girl with a backbone of steel