Thinking Sideways

Think E

You are one of a kind which means you are irreplaceable. There is no one on this earth that can take your place or "fill in" for you. There is no one that can replace you. You are unique, you are amazing, you are strong, and I'm so glad you exist at the same time as me so I can be telling you these things.
You are going to find your place in this world. You are going to get out of this darkness and you will rise, conquer, and kick ass. You don't even realize it yet but you are full of potential. You will find your passion and you will follow it and you will be unstoppable.
You could change the world if you wanted. You WILL change the world to many people- every person you meet will have their paths altered because they met you. You are in the background of strangers photos. You are in the memories of people you went to daycare with years ago. You are in the memories of old teachers who loved teaching you. You made a difference and will continue doing so for the rest of your life.
You're not a horrible person, okay? Do you hear me? You're not cruel, you don't hurt people, you don't hurt animals, you don't lie and steal and cheat for fun, you don't manipulate, you don't hit people, you don't insult strangers. I have dealt with people who do all of those things- THOSE are horrible people. You? You're misguided, maybe a little lost. But you care. You give so much to those around you even if you don't get it back. You care what people say and think. You want to help. That doesn't make you horrible.
Having bad thoughts doesn't make you a bad person. Having depression or anxiety or any mental illness doesn't make you a bad person. It makes your brain off balance with producing certain chemicals and/or hormones. It doesn't mean you as a person are bad. Please don't think that about yourself.
You are loved and needed and wanted and so so damn important. And I care about you. You deserve to know all of these things and deserve to know your negative thoughts are lying to you. You deserve good things and happiness. You deserve life, one filled with adventure and laughter and fireworks and stars and fairy lights and rainy days and bonfires and disposable cameras and long drives and dancing and animals and seasons and so many beautiful things.
Please hang in there. Please be nice to yourself.
Breathe. You're going to get through this. The storm will quiet and you will make it safely to shore.