Dear Reader,
This letter is for the people who didn’t give up, even when giving up felt easier. This year hasn’t been the smoothest, but you’ve grown a whole lot. That growth happens quietly and in the moments we barely notice.
You kept showing up: Take this holiday season to celebrate the small acts of determination you showed every day. For instance, getting up with early alarms, or going to class even when you’re exhausted. These efforts may not feel significant, but they are in fact meaningful. Your actions count, even if you didn’t feel like you were thriving all the time.
You learned hard things: You learned to do hard things. You might’ve had to set boundaries, let some people go, or make difficult decisions, and that’s okay. The hard choices are what made you stronger.
You found joy in small places: Toast to your small wins this year, like surviving midterms, making new friends, or living on your own for the first time. These little wins add up in the end and often matter more than the big milestones.
You grew without noticing: Notice the subtle shifts within yourself; a little more patience or more confidence than you had before. These changes are proof of your growth.
You survived hard parts: Acknowledge the stress, uncertainty, heartbreak, and burnout you endured. Even when it felt like the worst thing in the moment, you pushed through, and your resilience has made you tougher than you realize.
With the holiday season here, be proud of the person you’ve become this year. It’s amazing all that you’ve accomplished and grown into. You are enough and someone to be proud of. Keep going, you’re doing amazing.
With much love,
Rebecca Samuels