This is just to say that we really appreciate all the online friends/acquaintances/complete strangers/and anybody else who doesn't fit into those categories. Thank you all for being there through some really tough times, sharing wisdom, laughing along with us, and even just checking in occasionally. We’re not too active now, so I thought it’d be important to let everyone know. If we don’t reach out often, its not because we don’t care. This is just a little thank you note for you all. Look back at it whenever you need it. Here are a few words of encouragement, however cliche. 1. You matter, you hold an important place in this world. 2. Its okay to have flaws. Sometimes it feels like you have to be perfect, have it all layed out, just because it seems like everyone else does. But you don’t have to rush improvement, just always work towards it. 3. Suffering in silence has never done anybody any good. If you really don’t have anyone to reach out to, art, writing, and anonymous chat rooms can be helpful. 4. Your problems aren’t any less valid just because other people have it “worse” or have more problems. And its okay to be a little dramatic, sometimes that ends up helping. 5. If you can’t take care of someone, gently let them know. Not a, “I can’t deal with you.” Just a- “Hey, I might need a little space. I have a lot going on, or I am a little overwhelmed. So I’d appreciate it if we could keep conversations a little more lighthearted until I can handle more.” You can give the person other outlets to express themself. 6. Its okay to be wrong. Everyone is sometimes. As long as you apologize, and recognize that you’re wrong. It really does make people more comfortable if you recognize that everyone’s human, including you. 7. You don’t have to please people!! Its really hard to have everybody like you. Minorities, this is especially true. You don’t have to try to be “one of the good ones,” and its okay to be angry! As long as you at respect people on a basic level, you don’t need to worry about anything else. 8. Peer pressure isn’t fun, but there are ways to prepare for it. 9. Relationships, platonic or romantic, are bound to be somewhat difficult. That is perfectly okay. The mark of a good relationship isn’t never fighting, but the way you recover from the fights you have. Which brings me into- 10. High standards, contrary to the opinions of many, are perfectly okay! Its better to wait for someone you’re happy with (again, for friends and partners) than to settle. 11. Found family isn't just a fanfic trope. Its the people you chose to surround yourself with. And it’s really a beautiful thing. 12. Horrible things are all around us. But so are wonderful things, if you look. Its okay to acknowledge the bad, but be sure to look at the good, too. - Jupiter/Soren
