Amends to Self

Written by, Anonymous

My dear self,

I love you, and I’m so proud of you. I haven’t always made it easy for you, but you’ve become such an incredible woman, and I’m certain you will continue to thrive in the future.

I’m writing this letter as an amends for all I have done and failed to do that stalled our growth or made life more painful than it needed to be.

I often expected perfection from you, which was unfair and unreasonable. I did not accept you as you were physically, and I abused your beautiful body. For those times I am deeply sorry.

I did not allow you to truly feel and learn from all of your emotional experiences. I number and masked and covered up. I deprived you of meaningful moments, relationships, and lessons through my drug use. I truly regret this.

I was also cowardly and lacked the courage and bravery to speak up for you so that your needs could be met. I neglected you in my pursuit to people-please and avoid the discomfort of confrontation. I failed to value you and deprived you of so much good because I was afraid. I sincerely apologize for taking you for granted in this way.

Moving forward, I promise to love you for all of your beautiful flaws and imperfections. I promise to give you the grace to be human. I love your physical body, your wondrous mind, your vast emotional experiences, and your incredible spirit.

I promise to allow your experience, no matter how uncomfortable, confusing, or challenging it may be. I will always be here for you without judgement. I will not attempt to alter or change your mind so that you may learn and grow as God intends for you.

And I promise to be your biggest advocate. I will stand by you and speak up for you no matter what. I will prioritize your care first and I will never expect you to pour from an empty cup.

Most importantly, I will always keep trying and I will never give up on us. I will accept mistakes as they come, learn from them, and do the next right thing.

I love you.

~yourself

Published in A New Leaf – August 2026

A person hugging themselves while wearing a cozy sweater
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