If you would’ve told me 5 years ago that I’d be where I am today, I wouldn’t have believed you. If you had mentioned the things I would overcome, I would’ve told you I was a lost cause; that I was in too deep and incapable of being saved. I think back on the times where I portrayed an image to the world that didn’t accurately depict my reality. For that, I’m sorry for being dishonest. I felt out of character, out of body, for so long. 5 years ago, I was lost, but not a lost cause. I’m grateful for the little voice in my head that told me to push through it. I’m thankful for my family, friends, and colleagues who stood by me as I worked towards rediscovering my purpose. My message to my younger self coincides with my message to you today: There will be hard days, days where you remember when your only wish is to forget. Yet the time will come where in remembering, you will be reminded that you got through it, that you persevered against all odds. Don’t give up. You are important in this life. You are loved. You have purpose. Photo and video by @al.y