dear you, I’m rooting for you.

Hey there little one,

I know life can seem a little confusing right now. Your situation doesn’t look a lot like the others. But I can promise you something, every experience you encounter is helping you become the greatest version of yourself. Each time you enter a new school you’re learning that people everywhere are faced with the same struggles. You’re seeing that adults really don’t have it all together. You’re understanding that everything is connected + love is the only truth among us.

You’re building a foundation of empathy, strength + courage that will serve many later in life. Your brilliance is in your vision + the dreams within your heart. You are not defined by the reduced lunches, food stamps, women’s shelter, family dysfunction or the identity shake that takes place at 16. Trust that all of this let’s you see with a clarity of vision into the hearts others.

Yes, you will make mistakes of your own. And you will grow + morph + be asked to rise up as an example to those who need it. You will have to make hard choices. You will have to listen to what’s inside your soul. And you will have to follow your heart unapologetically in order to fulfill your destiny + give back the way you want. Remember you were brought into this life during a hurricane because you are force of nature. Fierce, + yet child like in spirit. Balance both.

Always remember to smile + to fully absorb with gratitude the beauty of each day. Take it day by day, + fill your heart with the joy of life’s simplest pleasures; the blue sky, the green earth, the birds’ song + the connection you have to see inside the souls of those who want to be seen. Never forget you were put on this earth with purpose. You are guided by love + the greatest love of all will be the love you learn to give yourself.

Show others the way. I’m rooting for you kid.

Your future cheerleader,

Nik