Dear Danielle

My dearest, darling, daring, Danielle,

Just breathe. I know what horrible, haunting thoughts are cascading around your precious, impressionable mind. Take a deep breath then exhale. I'm here to tell  you everything is going to be alright.

When you look in the mirror what do you see? You are so distorted and dizzily dismorphic my dear. Would you like to know what I see? Of course you wouldn't but it's my duty to tell you differently. I see a bright, blue-eyed, blonde, beautiful, eight year old girl, full of life, vigor, and beaming with a brilliance few have ever beheld. 

Don't argue with me; that's one battle I'm sure you will not emerge victorious from. You are as precious as a pearl, special as a star, and draw others near to you like a mesmerizing melody. Don't pull away if they get too close. You are intelligent, witty, charming, and crazy cute. Competitive to a fault, you constantly stand and defend your ground. Don't ever let go of that completely - you never know when that might come in handy. 

As  you absently stare at yourself in the mirror I can hear your mind screaming, practically screeching, "you are different." You know what - you are different - just not in the way that you believe. You are unique. You stand-out. You are one-of-a-kind. Not to inflate your ego (which let's be honest, isn't even possible at this point in your life) but others are jealous. You don't even notice as you are so fixated on the  menacing monster you have created of yourself in your incredibly imaginative mentality. 

Hear what I say: you are not ugly, you are not fat, you are not bigger than everyone else, no one is staring. You are perfect - the very thing you strive desperately to be - you are perfect. The only one arguing this point is you. Get out of your own mind for a minute and try to grasp this actuality. Let your guard down, stop obsessing. Let that confidence you carry overflow into every aspect of your life including how you look.  You are unstoppable. Never back down. Never give up.

Just breathe. 

Love,
You

Recovery Revealed

Recovery radiates hope, is comprised of compassion and is deeply desired by many. She thrives in the light, is fueled by the sun and remains present but reserved in the moonlight. Recovery feels the need to be wanted. She is afraid of rejection and of people's emotional, often irrational minds. Recovery is revered as a gift, a precious intangible you desperately try to grasp. She may creep into your life silently like an unwelcome guest or be invited in almost like a long, lost friend. She believes in you in your darkest hours and holds your hand in times of hardship - but only if you let her. Recovery never overstays her welcome nor remains when completely tossed aside. Recovery draws you in like a magnetic force, pulling you closer and closer until you cannot help but give her a huge hug and wish to share in her exquisite experiences. She believes in all who believe in her and even many that do not. There are numerous facets to recovery. Recovery herself, is constantly transforming and well versed in adjusting herself to fulfill your needs but not necessarily your wants at present. Recovery is strong, steadfast, and requires a steady supply of support. She is radiant, beautiful, confident, inside and out. She never doubts her self-worth as an individual. Recovery is a rock. Recovery has the strength of steel. Do not misunderstand, recovery is not perfect, she's a work in progress, but at least she's progressing. It is her never-ending quest to bring hope, happiness, and healing. Recovery is love and cannot exist without it. 

Recovery radiates hope.