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Letter of Encouragement to Friends and to Myself
We live in a world where criticism rolls off the tongue far more easily than a genuine compliment. In many spaces, praise is met with suspicion — dismissed as empty flattery or some sort of hidden agenda. Meanwhile, judgmental feedback is often celebrated as “honest,” “tough love,” or “just being real.” (Is it, though?) So, this is my humble attempt at a letter of encouragement — not just for you, but for me too. A small reminder in a noisy world that kindness doesn’t have to be earned, and self-respect doesn’t require perfection.
Dear Me, You Forgot How to Be Proud
We grow up with all sorts of beliefs like:
- Compare yourself to others so you know where you’re lacking — and push harder.
- Don’t talk about what you’re proud of. That’s arrogance.
- Stay quiet about your wins. That’s humility.
Somewhere along the way, I forgot how to appreciate myself.
I forgot how to acknowledge the quiet victories, the silent resilience, the days I kept going when it would’ve been easier to quit.
I didn’t know how to pause and simply say,
“Hey, thanks for staying. For forgiving yourself. For choosing to try again.”
Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I told myself,
“You did well.”
We’re taught to be our own worst critic — like that’s some kind of badge of honor. But being harsh to yourself doesn’t make you stronger. It just makes the journey lonelier. Somewhere between “Do better” and “Not enough,” we forget we’re allowed to say “Well done” too.
This Letter of Encouragement Started with a Message
illustrated by miodoi
One day, a friend from the US sent me a message. They said they saw something in my artwork — but more than that, they believed I could grow in all sorts of creative directions.
It wasn’t a generic pat on the back. It felt real. They actually saw me. And that reminded me:
It had been way too long since someone said something kind and truly meant it.
I live in a culture where praise is often rationed like a luxury item — but criticism? Oh, there’s plenty to go around.
Sometimes, what hurts the most isn’t failure or rejection — it’s feeling invisible.
Like no one really sees what you’re trying to do. And worst of all, you start not seeing yourself either.
Rear more:
Your inner potential is not lost: The Seed Is Still There,You Just Need Light.
3 Positive Affirmations for Recovery That Help Me Through My Hardest Days
When Nothing Feels Clear: What to Do When You Feel Lost in Life and Face Uncertainty
A Letter of Encouragement to Anyone Who’s Been There
I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way.
Maybe you’ve been there, too?
- You achieve a small victory, but instead of feeling proud, you feel strangely empty inside.
- You make a mistake and instantly label yourself as stupid or unworthy.
- You have a small dream, yet you dismiss it before anyone else has the chance to notice.
- Someone gives you a compliment, and you freeze, unsure of how to accept it.
This is a letter of encouragement to say:
You are worthy of recognition.
Not just when you’ve made it.
Not when you’re flawless.
But right now, in this unfinished version of you that’s still showing up, still trying.
illustrated by miodoi
One sincere compliment changed the way I saw myself.
And now, I want to be that person for someone else.
The kind of person who:
- Sees the good in you, even when you don’t.
- Believes in you, sometimes more than you believe in yourself.
- Says the right words at the right time — like: “You matter. You are enough. Even if you’re not sure of that yet.”
Honestly, there’s nothing more meaningful to me than witnessing a friend slowly grow into their confidence — just from being told the right thing, at the right time.
That’s why I created this newsletter — a space where, each week, I’ll send you a letter.
Not a cheesy “You got this!” banner.
Not a toxic positivity boost that lasts 5 minutes.
But a real letter of encouragement, like a warm hand on your shoulder in a quiet moment.
Your inner potential is not lost: The Seed Is Still There,You Just Need Light
3 Positive Affirmations for Recovery That Help Me Through My Hardest Days
What You’ll Receive When You Subscribe
When you sign up, I’ll send you:
- A “Building Self-Confidence” worksheet (a small gift from me to you)
- One heartfelt letter every week, like a friend showing up for you when the world gets too loud or too silent.
Because you don’t have to do this alone.
And you don’t have to be perfect to be heard.
illustrated by miodoi
Each letter includes:
- A slice-of-life story and reflection that might sound a little like your own.
- A gentle self-inquiry prompt to reconnect with yourself.
- Sometimes a song, a drawing, or an image — small tokens of care from me to you.
If you’ve ever felt out of place…
If you’ve ever doubted your worth…
If you’ve ever needed someone to say:
“You’ve come farther than you think.
And you are still worthy of love.”
You’ve done better than you give yourself credit for.
And I’m here — to remind you of that.
Every week. With one quiet letter of encouragement at a time.
