Dearest Gracie...

Dear Grace,

The past few months have not been easy, but you made it! You survived 3 months without coffee, cafe hopping and intimacy. You do not work overtime nowadays, nor on weekends. You make it a point to go to the gym to workout, and you even cook your own meals! I must say I am very impressed, knowing what a lazy person you are. You make your life worth instead of wallowing in self-pity and self-destructing. Well done!

There's a look of contentment in your face these days. Life is not easy, yet you persevere and did not give up. You give yourself room to grow and learn. You embrace errors and humiliation, understanding that you are only human and only God is perfect. You picked yourself up again and again, striving hard to make progress slowly every day. What you did is commendable, and you should feel proud of yourself.

You have real friends, people who knows your joys and shames but still stick around because they know who you are deep inside. You are blessed with people who still love and accept you for who you are, who supports you when you need a shoulder to cry on, who cheers you on when things get difficult, and to laugh with you during good times.

You are not a failure if you fail at one aspect of your life. I want to tell you that it's okay to give up, given that you have tried so many times and still nothing works. Sometimes, giving up means letting go, and letting go means accepting new challenges or opportunities in your life. You have a full life ahead of you, go explore and venture into new adventures. You might be surprised to find the experience full-filling.

I would like to apologize for the bad times in your life. I am sorry that you gave up your dream of working abroad. I am sorry that you tied the knot way earlier than expected and your marriage did not turn out well. I am sorry that you were vulnerable, indecisive and could not save the one you love. I am sorry that you have to go through heartbreaks and disappointments. I am sorry that you were disconnected from God. I am sorry that you worked so hard and did not take proper care of yourself.

To be honest, these bad times aren't entirely bad for you I think. You learn to be real, to face your ugly sides instead of burying them away. You learn to accept the consequences of your action instead of blaming others. You learn to be honest to yourself, when and how to say no. You learn to express yourself when you are sad and angry. You allow yourself to be weak and accept help from others.

I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive yourself for all the mistakes and failures in life. It is when you forgive, only then you can move forward and see the light on the other side of the tunnel. You are strong, courageous and resilient. I know you can go far in this life and I want you to live a life with no regrets.

As you walk into the next phrase of your life, I pray that you will put God first in every step of the way. Always be grateful and thankful in your heart for this second chance of life God gave you 28 years ago.

Remember, you are loved.

Live. Love. Laugh.

Love,
Me