If I were to write a letter to my 13-year-old self, I would begin by saying, “I’m sorry you had to grow up and carry those emotional baggages throughout growing up; you weren’t supposed to experience all that at such a young age — you were just a child, and it was also your first time living just like everybody else.”
I apologize for forcing you to grow up alone; you accomplished everything on your own, without assistance, company, or comfort.
I’m sorry you had to go through all that misery, sorrow, and resentment because you had no one to turn to that could make you feel better.
I apologize for the constant comparisons, invalidations, and judgments you experienced from those you believed to be your loved ones.
I apologize that because of the influence of others around you, you had to grow up believing that you are incapable of affection and empathy.
I apologize that you had to go through all of that trauma when all you wanted was happiness.
I’m so proud of you for continuing to live, despite your constant desire to pass away. However, you secretly longed that someone would just pay attention to you, comprehend you, and unconditionally love you.
I’m so happy for you since you gave it your all in everything you did, achieved so much, and survived for another day.
I’m really proud of you because, in spite of everything you’ve been through, you’ve always chosen to be strong, independent, and to keep everything inside of you while enduring hardships.
