Hey, I just want you to know, life is better than you think.
Keep your head up. I know the struggle of life is fucking hard and lonely at times. I know the feeling of being alone can make you sad; even if you are surrounded by people. I know it makes you feel like living isn’t worth it. I know life gets harder around the holidays. I know it makes you analyze your life. I know what it is like to wish to be normal. I know what it is like to not be okay, but to pretend to be okay. I know what it is like to feel the burden of falling short. I know in our heads, we go through this alone.
You were born into this world weak. You were born fragile and in need of love; the kind of love that gives up everything to make sure you survive. The kind of love that nourishes and protects you. The kind of love that teaches you how to be. The kind of love that teaches you to walk, talk, and live. You were born dependent, we all are. Even though in our heads, we feel alone.
We instinctively learn to depend on others for life. If we lived in the wild we would depend on each other for everything, our belonging to the tribe equaled life. In those times we knew we weren’t alone. To be real, having a community of people matters. It is not weakness, it is the human strength. I know right now you feel disconnected and alone. But I believe in you and your ability to connect. I believe in you and your ability to thrive. I believe in you and your value. I know you are a beautiful piece to the human puzzle.
I know these words seem vain. I know the inner demon saying, “You don’t know me. You wouldn’t like me if you did. I am a worthless piece of shit and I can’t do this anymore. I can’t see a better future. I can’t see myself being happy.” I understand what it is like to feel and think this way. I understand what it is like to lie to yourself about what is possible because you are in a negative state of mind. Don’t give in to the bullshit. That is right! Don’t believe the negative bullshit. You don’t have to. Believe me instead.
You are loved. You are fun to be around. You make a light in the world that people mirror back to you. People love to laugh with you. People like to get to know you. People love to joke with you and find your company enjoyable. You stand up for yourself and believe you are valuable. You know out there in this big crazy world there are multiple communities for you to belong to. You are interesting and spread a good vibe everywhere you go. You go through life in an easy and relaxed manner because you know everything works out for your good. You care about people and show love. Your love isn’t a weakness, but your strength. It is your shield and sword. You move in the waves of hope. You act in gratitude. You help with no expectations. You dance in the moment, knowing you are free to love. You are free from others expectations because you understand we are all just trying to make it the best we can. You look at those who are not a part of your world with sympathy, you know we are all battling something and the wounds they have that persist have nothing to do with you. You are an angel, with a message of hope.
Life can be hard, you don’t have to be hard on yourself. Life can be scary, you don’t have to live in fear. Life can be challenging, you don’t have to conquer it. Life is going to end on its own, all you have to do is make the best of it. That doesn’t mean you have to live a perfect life, that means you have to be open to enjoying it. Connect with others. Be brave. Be willing to put yourself out there. And if you get rejected, if you don’t fit in, don’t stop trying, because in the end IF YOU KEEP GOING, IF YOU KEEP TRYING you will find your tribe and they will help you enjoy your short time on this earth. They will miss you because they love you more than you know.
In the last couple of years we have all lost more than we thought we could handle. It is not what doesn’t kill me will only make me stronger; it’s what doesn’t kill me gives me another route to connect with others. Human connection in any form is life saving. Be a friend, reach out, because you are probably the closest hand for someone drowning to reach for.
Hope this post helps keep you here another year.
Love, Your Friend, Nino.
Nino Olson 