Dear Tara (A letter to myself)

As you begin 2018,  I want you to remember a few things. 

Everything is doable, but there are times it will require great creativity.  As long as there are new ideas and approaches, there is a way to overcome any obstacle. 

The power of your own thoughts is immense and as soon as you learn to harness your thoughts, you will find peace and see great things in your life.  

You are loved.  The idea that you are not is a lie and you need to remember that, especially in the dark times.  

You have been diagnosed with multiple mental conditions.  There is no shame in this.  It’s no different than taking medication to control your diabetes.  It doesn’t mean you are weak, only that you have been strong for too long.  

You have talents locked inside of you that you haven’t utilized in years.  It’s time to start using them again.  You owe it to yourself to be happy and healthy both physically and mentally.  

Find you again this year.  Embrace the you that others see and love.  Be confident in who you are and never give up.  

You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. You made it through 16 years of mental and sexual abuse.  You survived a deployment and the loss of a child.  You are continuing to succeed as a parent to a special needs child and you have made a life for yourself following divorce.  

I promise.  You’ve got this.