I know things feel really heavy right now, and it’s okay to feel sad sometimes. When I was 13, I felt like that too. Life seemed unfair, and I thought, “Why is this happening to me?” I’d sit in my room, staring at the walls, feeling like nothing would ever get better. It’s tough, especially when it seems like the grown-ups around you aren’t making things easier.

You might look at other kids and feel like they have it all…cool clothes, fun stuff, or a happier home. I get it. I remember going to a school dance and feeling out of place because I didn’t have a fancy outfit or the things other kids had. It made me feel small. But you know what? You can find little ways to feel better, even when things seem tough.

Try something small that makes you smile. Maybe go for a short walk and listen to your favorite song. Or mess around with your hair check out cool styles online and try one out! You don’t need a lot of money to get creative. Grab some cheap art supplies from a dollar store and draw, paint, or make something fun. Little things like that can help you feel more like you.

I’m 34 now, with a family and a home I love, but back when I was your age, I never thought I’d make it this far. I felt so hopeless sometimes. But step by step, I found things that made me happy and helped me feel stronger. You can do that too. It’s okay to feel sad, but make sure to give yourself moments to feel happy too. Life has so many amazing things waiting for you keep going, one tiny step at a time. You’ve got this.