What Isn’t Beautiful?

I could tell you about a million beautiful sights to see. I can tell you about a million mouth-watering foods to try. I can tell you about a million writers who could craft a beautiful essay to highlight the elegance of our world. I could tell you a million things, but the answer to your question doesn’t lie in a million things. It lies in one thing, and that one thing is you.

It’s no coincidence that I happened across this prompt today. I hope not to win because that would mean someone else won. That someone else, by no coincidence, happened across this prompt today. I hope that thousands of people don’t win.

Remember, dear Asterisk, that every person who submits their own attempt to give you direction is the direction. They’re people that likely never met you, people that likely endured their own feelings of doubt and being lost, who took the time to make sure that you know that your life is worth living. That your life will be great.

In three weeks, I implore you to look at the number of submissions. Each and every submission is a person giving you a hug, telling you that it will be alright. Because everything will be alright. Look at the room around you, and picture it filled with every person who wrote an essay just for you. We’re all your support team. We care about you.

I’ll give you a few ideas to shine a ray of hope in your amazing existence. First, imagine someone else posted this. It’s your turn to write an encouraging essay or poem. They matter infinitely, and you need to tell them that because you’ve felt exactly what they’re feeling. You’re in a position of empathy. It would be wrong not to help them. So write to them.

Have you ever planted a garden? If not, please do. Fill your room with so much greenery that you can’t even remember what color the walls are. Make people who pass your residence stop and stare at the beautiful plants that you grew. Talk to the plants. They’re good listeners.

Every day, look in the mirror for five minutes and think about what you’re grateful for. It’ll be hard at first. It’ll probably feel stupid. But keep doing it, and you’ll get better at finding what to appreciate. Soon enough, you’ll look into your eyes and feel the warmth and happiness of a person lucky enough to live your life.

By the way, I read everything on your page. You’re cosmically talented. Please continue to use your literary gift every day.

You have so many smiles and laughs ahead of you. I believe in you, Asterisk. I just need you to believe in yourself. Can you do that for me?