A story of self-love and courage

It's not easy to write what I want to express. It's not easy to say it. I'm sorry, and it's not easy to say that it's all over. However, here I am, trying to find the right words to talk from the heart, from my authentic adult self.

First, I want to apologize to myself, to say I'm sorry, or maybe just— I'm sorry. I don't really know what to say to explain that I never wanted to go through everything that happened. I apologize to myself because today I understand that, at that time, I didn't know enough about life as I do now. I didn't have the tools I have today, and above all, because fear was always my biggest limitation.  

Dear me. Today I realize how brave I was. A battle that, despite the tears shed, never gave up. I overcame obstacles and defeated those who wanted to see me fall. Today I look at myself and I'm amazed! I'm no longer the innocent, sweet, and fearful woman who never stopped trying. Because I always knew what my desires were and what I longed to achieve. In difficult times, I showed a strength I didn't know I possessed and demonstrated what I'm made of.

I admire myself, I congratulate myself, and I am amazed! Seeing who I've become, I know my past self is smiling today, proud to see me here, strong and confident in who I am. Today, I embrace myself with the strength and confidence of my present self, strong and confident in who I am and what I always wanted to be.

Every stumble, every tear, and every low point has been worth it! Because today I walk with my head held high, knowing that the struggle was not in vain and that the voice I once silenced now rings out loud. I celebrate myself, I acknowledge myself, and I choose myself every day, because I have learned that true courage is embracing my essence and walking with bravery, love, and purpose.

Dear me. I embrace myself from my present self, confident and at peace with who I am now. I am grateful for all the experiences I've had, because without them I wouldn't be the woman who looks at herself in the mirror today with pride and strength. Thank you so much. For teaching me so much and for allowing me to travel those paths that, although painful at the time, were necessary to make me who I am now. And to my future self I say: let's go for more! With the conviction that it will be better than yesterday and with the clarity of what I've always wanted to be.

Thank you, dear me, for your strength, for persevering despite everything. Today I have complete confidence that there were no losses, only gains. Here we go, strong and with open hearts, ready for whatever life has in store for me.

I love you and I'm sending you a hug!

Lesbia Álvarez

lessalvarez@gmail.com