Every time I fought with someone, every time I said terrible words and hurt as they hurt me...I wasn't getting stronger. I was growing weaker, losing parts of myself. I wasn't empowered, I was angry, I was miserable..I was scared. Every fight, every conflict, every anger and bitter resentment took a piece of myself until the cracks could be seen all over.

I will never look back on these moments fondly. I will never believe they were for the better or that they made me a person for the better. The future is you and me because it is here now. I hope when you look back, you will not regret but smile and hope forward.

I'm still growing, and just like you I'm only expanding as a person. Always will. I ask you however as my friend, as a good person...do your best today. Do your best tomorrow to show love, patience, understanding, and empathy to those that have chosen not to. For those of us who are so lost, it's a beacon, and it's dark where we come from.