When I write letters to girls, I always encourage them to be confident as they are. I urge them to trust that they are intended to exist and are already enough. I believe the words deeply as I write them, hoping the gravity of what I'm feeling can transfer from pen to paper, washing over the recipient.
But you know what?
Some days, it's the last thing I believe about myself. Some days I struggle to trust that I'm enough, regardless of how fully I believe in the message.
Too often I believe the lie that thinner, smarter, prettier, would be better. I allow the noisy voice that says I can earn love and worth to take up space in my brain.
I'm learning, lately, that what we're able to give most generously to the world is often the hardest thing to give ourselves.
I will be the first to tell my friends it's OK to skip a workout, but often struggle to give myself the same permission.
I am quick to reassure friends when they self-body bash, but often struggle with the same internal thoughts.
I have no trouble telling someone she is beautiful - she is enough! - but sometimes wonder if I really am.
Sadly, if I didn't have these feelings, according to the NYC Girls Campaign, I'd be defying great odds. By the numbers, approximately 91 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies and only two percent of women around the world describe themselves as beautiful.
To trust, day in and day out, that you are already enough, takes a heroic effort.
I'm learning that the grace and generosity we give to others often feels impossible to give ourselves. But, when we're able to do it, we live so much more freely.
If you find yourself struggling, I want to encourage you to be gentle with yourself today. Take a deep breath and trust that you are doing the best you can. Give yourself the gentility and generosity you'd give your mom, sister or best friend.
You are already enough, no matter where you've been or where you go next. You're doing great, friend.