LETTER TO A YOUNG PERSON CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE.

Photograph by Sammie Chaffin.

Hi. Hello, good day, how are you? No really, how are you? How's everything going with you? I know when people ask that, they ask that as a formality but I'm asking HOW ARE YOU? Because I really want to know.

Yes I know, things are rough, you are scared that you are going to end up a loser and the scariest part of it is that you cannot even confide in anyone because you are scared of what their response might be.

I want to tell you, that your feelings are valid, that you have every right to feel the way you do. Hell, I'm very certain that I felt worse when I was your age. But you cannot let that fear define you!!! You are glorious and you are perfect and you are hardworking and resilient and you are beautiful in and out.

Listen, you are probably scared because you feel like you haven't achieved enough and you might not get to achieve anything before you turn a particular age.

But isn't that the problem? You, putting an age limit on your goals? I have come to realize that when we put an age limits on our goals, we harm ourselves mentally, because, it doesn't matter how old you'll turn when you achieve your goals, what matters is that you worked hard to get to where you are and your hard work paid off.

And when we worry too much about the future, we forget to enjoy the present, the bad days and the good days, our friends, love our bodies, love our family, love ourselves, love life and everything in it. Because we get so wrapped up in the fear of the unknown.

And I wish that you would open up more, let yourself be vunerable, because you deserve to, vulnerability is often seen as been weak, but when people say weak, what they really mean is that you are not afraid to show your emotions. When you are able to be vunerable, you'll be surprised at how many people too are uncertain about the future, and how much you are not alone.

I know you have heard stories, stories of people who didn't give up, inspiring stories and how they were able to accomplish it. Don't feed your head with those, people are different, be inspired but stop trying to define your life by their success stories because yours is greater ; but how would you ever know that if you limit yourself to some else's goals.

Now, I want to tell you, and I sincerely mean it, " You will be fine," great even. And not because I have to say it, but because it is true, because I believe it, and you should too. My dearest Smartest Beautiful Extraordinary Soul, You will be fine!!

You'll look back at now and laugh and be grateful that you have the feelings that you've had because instead of letting those feelings win, you won.

I love you, I respect you and I adore you. Keep being your true most authentic self. And Ohh! The world has no idea what's about to hit them.

With a love filled heart,

Ogbadu Davidfnycountry Austine.

BY DAVIDFNYCOUNTY AUSTINE OGBADU.