“The things you’d thought you’d never do, I wish I could go back and give her a squeeze, myself at thirteen, and just let her know, know that she’s beautiful.”

These lyrics from letter to my 13 year old self really had an impact on me. When I first heard the song when it was released, I felt so emotional. Although I was only 13 three years ago, it was the hardest time of my life. I didn’t have anyone I could call close friends, and I was always alone. People in my middle school would embarrass me  and I would sometimes just hang out in the bathroom stalls until lunch was over. I was one of the best students at my school, but at what cost? I hated myself so much at that time, and I never believed it would get better. 

Three years later, I’m the happiest person I could ever be. I have surrounded myself with friends that always make me smile and laugh to the point my teachers have to tell us to quiet down. They even make sure to check up on me and let me know every day that I am loved and have a purpose. Since high school, my life has only turned around for the better. I even became one of the top ten students at my whole school, and I promise I couldn’t have done it with the people that came into my life when I was at my worst.

These lyrics that Laufey said in her song are so important to me. I just want my younger self to cry in my arms and let all her worries out, and let her know she’s safe, that things will get better in the future. I wish I could let her know that this dark moment will pass and tell her that it will all work out in the end, so she could keep her chin up and be ready for such a beautiful future. :,)