I believe in YOU

My high school English teacher is one of my biggest inspirations and cheerleaders. She has taught me so much about encouragement and has formed me into the writer I am today. For years I have had a dream to write but I did not know what to write about or how to do it. I was plagued by perfectionism and failure to start. But every once in a while my teacher would come to me and remind me of my worth and value. She spoke greatness over me when I felt like a stale dishrag with nothing to offer. My teacher reminded me of my potential and also told me how she is so proud of me for all that I have accomplished already in my life. She celebrated little wins and life transitions. Everytime after leaving her presence, I believe in myself a little bit more. Eventually, I did get an opportunity that allows me to write more consistently and I got to tell her about it this week. She believes in me so much that the thought of me doing what she knew I was supposed to do made tears roll down her cheeks and an emotional “You made my year” burst from her lips. I will never forget that moment.

My teacher is one of many people who believe in me, but her particular endless insistence to follow my dreams helped to make them a reality. Her “I believe in you” gives me the courage to press the post button and to put my words into the world. It echoes in my mind when I am trudging through a difficult situation. Her “I believe in you” helped me to believe in myself. 

When someone believes in you, everything changes. It's not that we need external encouragement to pursue dreams, many people have built entire legacies on proving people wrong. But love changes things that discouragement can’t even touch. Someone truly believing in you comes from them unconditionally loving you. It means that no matter what happens that person is in your corner. I do not know who is in your corner and how they support your dreams, but perhaps you can make room for one more voice and allow me the privilege to tell you what I know to be true?

There is a light that only you can shine in this world and I need for you to let it shine. You are deeply valued and unconditionally loved. Your story, love, and passions are needed by those around you. I am so dang proud of you for making it as far as you have, look at all you have accomplished! That's amazing!  You have so much to offer; your creativity and kindness and radical you-ness. You are nowhere near finished yet and have so much left to say and do. I believe in what you have to offer the world. 

I believe in YOU.

All of us have people who believe in us and we believe in them, consider encouraging them today. Tell them how much their support and love means to you!