Everyday I have you guys send me emails and reach out to me on my social media platforms, asking me for advice or just tell me about what's going on in your lives. I try my very best to reply as I am beyond honoured that you've all chosen to come to me for advice. Last week I came across one individual who was going through a difficult time. I shared my own story with this person in hopes that it would give them the message that things will get better. I felt that this story can come to use to someone else hence why I have decided to share a shorter version that will equally give off the same message. I want to help people, I hope that this can help at least one person get through a difficult time.

I came across a difficult decision which lead me to have to let go of people who were not the best influences on me which also lead to some friends letting me go. These events happened so quickly and definitely took me by surprise. For a few months I regretted my decision gravely, but I never told anyone because I let my ego get in the way of things. Instead I tried to bury myself in work, refusing to accept that I was hurt.  

The things others said did not help; I think one of the things that bothered me the most were the people who viewed the situation negatively and passed on their negative comments to me. The fact that everyday I had to pretend I was okay in front of loved ones made it hard for me to be able to make connections with others. When you bottle things up, at some point things will explode. My bottled up emotions exploded and let me tell you that when it did, it hurt a lot. I can not say that this was the most pain I felt, but it did leave a scar.  

I cannot stress how important it is to mourn over losing someone. I feel that being the person I was and how my friends perceived me to be, I was not allowed to be phased by my problems because I was strong. Yes, I am strong, but showing my emotions doesn't make me weak. Sadly at the time I thought it did and I mourned over this loss on my own because I did not want to disappoint anyone. I mourned for a while because I made it so that others did not know I was upset, but once I was alone my walls came crashing down.

This went on for a while until one day it stopped hurting. Nothing amazing or life changing happened to me; things just didn't hurt anymore. Maybe it was because I was tired of being upset, but I knew for sure was that I was ready to move on and explore new opportunities. This realization and need to move on and let go hit me around my 18th birthday when I realized who actually were my friends. The people who just cut me off without reason aren't the people I want to chase after. They left and that's how things were meant to be. I can't change what happened. Moving on can be hard and take a while at times, but when you're ready you'll know because instead of pondering in the past you'll look ahead and aspire to be happy. 

I don't regret my decision anymore. I'm actually grateful that everything played out the way that it did because I was able to see people as how they actually were and realize that those people aren't the ones I need. The fact that these people cut me off in the first place shows me that they don't respect me as an individual and they were immature for refusing to give me a reason for leaving. I lost friends who have now become acquaintances and some are now strangers. That's how things have unfolded and I am no longer stuck in my high school perception that people will always be in my life. I cannot say I feel completely better. I have days where I feel sad over everything that happened, however I encourage myself to keep my chin up and move on because letting go is what's best for me.

I know that getting cut off by someone or losing someone important hurts a lot. However, if they chose to let go of you they aren't worth it, trust me. You can chase after them all you want, but that puts you in a position you don't deserve to be in. You deserve so much more. I learned this when I stopped worrying about people who made me feel bad. When you stop worrying, a weight is lifted off your shoulders.

My way of getting over things may not be the right way, I know it isn't because it affected me more than it should have. But, this doesn't mean that you have to do it the way I did. It's okay to be upset. It's okay to talk to someone about it. There's always going to be someone who is willing to help, you have loved ones around you who will help and if they are not an option there are many resources online, such as Seven Cups of Tea, who will help. I am also here to help. Never hesitate to reach out to someone. 

I understand that my story may not be that bad. Some people may roll their eyes and say that they've been through worse, but this leads back to what I said earlier. At the time, this was something that was hard for me. Only I know how hard it was and how much it hurt when this happened. This goes for anyone, only you know the amount of pain you've been through. Don't let anyone ever try to make you feel that your pain is nothing compared to their struggles because things are hard for everyone. They are simply just hard.

"This too shall pass." Keep your head up and work towards finding your happiness. Do it at your own pace and when you're ready. I may not fully understand what you all may be going through, however I do understand that each of you have the power to get out of your pain. Some may take longer than others, but if you aspire to be happy and move forward you will surprise yourself with your capability. You will have your bright days and your dark days too, this is all apart of growing up. I love you all dearly, please don't give up and keep going.