Dear 16-Year-Old Bhavini,

I know this birthday isn’t turning out how you wanted or expected it to, but you are so much stronger than you think you are. Everything isn’t going to be easy or simple, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get through it. You’re life is completely changed by this one little piece of news. You’ll be okay though. You’re not broken.

You’re not damaged. You’re still Bhavini.



Some of the people in your life won’t be there for you the way you are for them. It’s one of the hardest thing you’ll have to deal with. You won’t have to deal with it alone though. You’ll always have a handful of people that will have your back no matter what. Not all your friendships will last forever. Only the best and most important ones will and those are the ones worth fighting for. You’ll meet some amazing people in the most unlikely places. Don’t let the one sided friendships in your life stop you from creating new ones.

People lie. Sometimes even the people you think you can trust completely. Try not to feel stupid about believe their lies. It’s all a learning experience and you’ll come out a stronger person. Without the lies, betrayal and heartbreak, you won’t become the amazing person you’re meant to be.

Speak up. Seriously, you let people take advantage of your kindness too much. People will always be around to take your kindness, but they won’t return it when you need it. I know it’s hard. You like making people happy, but you can’t let people to keep taking advantage of you. The more you let people take advantage of you, the more it’ll hurt you in the end.

Never give up. You’re going to accomplish so much more than you think you can. You have a purpose here. Keep working and you’ll reach your goals. No matter how dark and bumpy the road ahead of you is, don’t let that stop you from trying. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s worth the journey.

Love,
23-Year-Old Bhavini

Left: 16th birthday; Right: 23rd birthday