Maybe it’s been awhile since you’ve heard those words, so I thought I’d go ahead and just let you know: I’m so very proud of you.

Just LOOK at how far you’ve come, how much you’ve overcome, how hard you’ve worked to arrive here, in this place. You deserve to be here.

You belong here, in this space of maturity, this home of being comfortable in your own skin.

You’ve come to know the bitterness of defeat and the pride of triumph, yet neither can sway you from pressing on to becoming who you have always been inside: confident, at peace, and without fear.

Take a moment to appreciate the journey that’s brought you here. The same spunk and determination that fueled you then will keep you going tomorrow. You can rest tonight, secure in the arms of your Creator who will keep guiding you, shaping you, and filling you. You’ll have everything you need, just when you need it.

So, don’t give up. Get your rest and gather your strength.

I’m proud of who you are and the person you’ve become.

You are exactly where you are supposed to be: right here, right now, just as you are.

With love, Rachel