Dear Jemma, Love Jemma

Dear Jemma.

You are nearly twenty-one years old – even saying that makes you seem so old, only nine years until you’re thirty and all of that. Gee, we won’t mention that again.

I think you’d be the first to admit that things haven’t been easy. In fact, you’ve had it pretty tough over the years. But do you know what, something is changing. You’re not that same person you were all those years ago. Yes, you’re still pretty quiet and you like your own company. Thing is, you’re not afraid to speak your mind and just be you. You’re not afraid to ask for help when you need it, or seek out a friendly face when you need a partner in crime.

You spent so long trying to fit in that you forgot to just be you. You are so brave, strong and courageous, funny and beautiful in your own right. But, most importantly, you are just happy.

So many years were spent in torment, wondering whether people liked you or whether they talked about you when your back was turned. You never just let yourself develop. Like every picture captured on film, it just needs time to show what’s really there.

That being said, you’re still not ‘there’ yet – wherever that is. There are still days when you are afraid of living, you still spend too much time worrying about the insignificant things that everyone else ignores. That being said though, I think that’s what makes you so special; you notice things. You find beauty in the most imperfect situations. You’re the eternal optimist hidden under the cloak of realism. Let that side out of you a bit more, people will love it.

Most importantly of all though, love. There is only one of you, don’t let yourself go to waste.

Take care, and nurture every single piece of yourself.

Jemma.