Messages to Carry with You
January 31, 2024
Writer: Sabrina Sugg
Editor: Olivia Richie
Towards the end of 2023, Hopelessly Yellow set up a table that featured a “Take One, Leave One” bowl. The idea was that everyone who came up to the table could write a note that they would want someone to read, fold it, put it in the bowl, and take one for themselves. However, we ended with a disproportionate number of notes left over, since some people wrote multiple and only took one. This article is comprised of not only my words, but also the words of 25 other people who are cheering you on!
“You are beautiful,” I thought to myself as I began moisturizing with my vanilla-scented lotion. It was one of those “everything shower” nights, when I would use nearly every skincare product I own and have a candle lit in my room. Life just doesn’t feel so heavy when you’re sitting in the middle of your bed, mesmerized by the small, flickering flames of a candle, soothed by the warm scent of vanilla.
“You are so so amazing”
“You will succeed”
“You are perfect. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise”
“You deserve good things ♡”
I have a love/hate relationship with the thought of how many people live on this planet. On one hand, contemplating this matter can be a one-way ticket to an existential crisis, but on the other hand, it can provide an important reminder: there are 8 billion people on this planet, and I am the only one who is me. Every single person is a unique individual with their own life and their own experiences, which means that they are capable of offering something to the world that no one else can. Inherently, because you exist, “you are enough,” so “be authentically you — there’s no one else out there like you!” Learn to rely on yourself and “be your own hero” because, in the words of Elastigirl, “Girls, come on. Leave the saving of the world to the men? I don’t think so! I don’t think so.”
“Keep smiling! You are brightening the world ♡”
“You are the reason someone woke up today. Cherish that”
“The loudest way to love someone is by encouraging them to be entirely themselves ♡”
“Be your authentic self and love it”
Surrounding yourself with people who help you to become the best version of yourself can make a world of difference in how you view your life. “Your energy is so powerful. Don’t waste it on anyone who doesn’t see how amazing you are ♡” If someone is no longer bringing you happiness, it is more than okay to distance yourself. Similarly, find ways to explore and allow yourself to experience as much as possible. “Stop shrinking yourself to fit places you’ve outgrown.” You will have a gut feeling that urges you to move on when the time is right.
“Do things out of your comfort zone ♡”
“You’ll find it when you aren’t looking”
“Everything will work out okay”
“Take time for yourself, it’s okay to take a break”
Sometimes, you are dealt a difficult hand. Tell the people you love that you love them and remember that “it will get better, keep going ♡” Find beauty in the small moments, make time for the little things that you enjoy. This past year challenged me in ways that I never could have anticipated, but I entered 2024 knowing more about myself because of it. I learned that cutting open pomegranates and removing the seeds is therapeutic, that crocheting tiny whales is a productive way to pass the time when I am anxious, that it’s important to fall in love with yourself before falling in love with anyone else. “Keep breathing ♡ Whatever is bothering you will be in the past soon! I love you”
“Hug those you love”
“As someone who has been there, IT DOES GET BETTER”
“You’ve got this! You have done it before and will get through it now”
“Don’t sweat the small things! It may feel big now, but it won’t forever”
And, most importantly, “spend more time with dogs!”
Image: Jules Bonanno
