My Hero

To Whoever Needed to Read This:

They say you should never meet your hero, but that only applies when your hero is someone you aspire to be like. They usually say that because when you do meet your hero, they aren’t who you thought they’d be.

The millionaire discovers that all the money in the world isn’t the key to happiness. The successful businessman discovers that just because he can run the world doesn’t mean it will bring him joy. The funniest comedian can bring laughter to others but will have nothing left for themselves.

Everyone has their own origin story, everyone has their path and no two lives are the same. So why idolize someone who didn’t have the same trials as you did? Why not idolize someone who knows your story; your failures, triumphs, and everything in between? Someone who has seen you at your worst and has watched you come back better and stronger. Yourself.

This is my letter to say, be your own hero.

Only you know the trials and tribulations you have been through. Only you truly know how steep those mountains you climbed were and only you know what it took to reach for the stars.

Be your own hero and never let anyone take your pride away from you. You battled your battles and won the wars, only to come out the other side a stronger you.

No one but you knows what it took in those moments of hardship, to lick your wounds and admit defeat. No one can tell you your efforts weren’t worth the fight because they don’t know what the battle meant to you. No one but you knows all the lessons and wisdom you gained from fighting the good fight. No one but you knows what it took to be the protagonist in your own story. No one else could have gone through what you have, done the amazing things you have, or seen the places you went. Only You.

Now is the time to look back at the mountains you climbed, and enjoy the summit and all the views that it brings. Enjoy the feeling of conquering your fears, and winning battles and wars. Revel in your own success because before long you'll be asked to go to battle again. There are always more battles to be had and more wars to be won. Enjoy being the hero of your own story and knowing what it took to come out on top. Whether you won all the battles or lost them all and won the war. You still did the best you could and no one can take that away from you. Only you can truly appreciate all it took to be where you are now.

So be your own hero and know that you are worthy. Know that you are beautiful. Know that you are strong. Know that you are courageous. Know that you are incredible. Know that you are amazing. Know that you have value. Know that even on your worst days you still did your best and that's what matters. Know that you are everything you ever needed to be.

Thank you for being strong even when you didn’t feel that way. Thank you for having the courage to do the right thing. Thank you for knowing your worth and standing up to those who didn’t see it. Thank you for going to battle even when you didn’t want to. Thank you for being brave enough to do what needed to be done, even when you didn’t want to. Thank you for being your own hero.

Keep pushing, because you know you can do this.

Yours Truly,

Your Hero (Yourself)