Dear Dawn, I came across your “Dear 15 Me” and all I can say is thank you. I’m currently a 15 year old sophomore in high school and I’ve read some of the different advice from people and they’re truly amazing. I’ve recently just had my heart broken from a guy I was in love with ( or thought I was in love with) it’s been pretty tough, considering that we go to the same school and I see him around. After seeing all these posts, they’ve really hit me in a positive way. I’m just wondering if there is any advice you can kindly give to me, I would appreciate it . Thank you (: – V.C. Dear, V.C.!Thank you SO much for writing me!I started Dear 15 Me to reach out to girls just like you, hoping that it would help make a difference.Listen. I remember how hard this time is.It is TOUGH. But, honey, it gets sooooo much better.You have everything in front of you, and you have no idea all of the beautiful surprises that will come your way. And, believe me, there will be many.Things you can’t even imagine happening right now, will be the very things that change your life for the better.I personally believe that people are put in our lives at a certain time to teach us lessons at that time and to go along on this journey of life with us.And, I also believe that those very same people step out of our lives when they are supposed to, to make room for better things…even if we can’t see them right then.One poem, my mom inscribed in a book she gave me as a Christmas present when I was high school, has always stuck with me, and I hope you get as much from it to help you heal your heart, as I have over the years.In fact, I have found that one line or another always sticks out to me, and helps me get through a painful time of transition.Thank you so much for reaching out.You made my holiday season, and truly touched my heart.Remember this at all times, V.C.:YOU WILL BE OKAY.xoxo,Dawn****
- “After A While” by Veronica A. Shoffstall
After A While
(Veronica A. Shoffstall, copyright 1971)
After a while, you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security.And you begin to learn
that kisses aren’t contracts
and presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After a while, you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure,
you really are strong,
you really do have worth,
and you learn,
and you learn –
with every goodbye, you learn…
*NOTE: I am NOT a doctor. I am simply a person, who is navigating this world and life, right alongside everybody else. If you have a question for Dear Dawn, please email me at [email protected]. xoxo
*Lipstick pictured above: Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist Lip Paint in Hangry & Tarteist lip crayon in Squad