Sophie stood at the edge of the pier, staring out at the horizon as the sun melted into the sea, turning everything around her gold and orange. The wind tugged at her hair, but she barely noticed. This was where she always came when she needed to think, when the world felt too loud, and her heart too heavy.

Today, though, the weight in her chest was unbearable. It had been a year—exactly one year—since her mother passed. The pain wasn’t any easier; it still felt like a hollow ache that gnawed at her every moment, a reminder of the space that could never be filled. Sophie had spent the past few days sorting through her mother’s belongings, each object stirring up a fresh wave of grief.

That’s when she found the letter.

It had been tucked into one of her mother’s favorite books, probably placed there years ago, forgotten until now. Sophie hadn’t read it at first. She wasn’t sure she could. But today, standing by the water where she and her mother used to sit together, she pulled it from her pocket.

The paper was soft and worn, the ink slightly faded, but her mother’s familiar handwriting was clear. Sophie hesitated for a second, then opened it, her hands trembling slightly.

“Dear Sophie,” it began. “If you’re reading this, it means life has thrown something at you that feels too big to handle. But before you crumble, I need to remind you of something important: You are enough.”

Sophie’s breath caught in her throat. She could almost hear her mother’s voice, calm and steady, the way it always was when Sophie needed reassurance.

The wind picked up, and Sophie folded her arms tighter, clutching the letter close. Her eyes burned, but she kept reading.

“Life will challenge you, sweetheart. It’ll break you down and make you question everything. But you need to remember something I’ve always known: Your heart is strong. You feel deeply, and that’s not a weakness—it’s your greatest strength. Don’t ever be ashamed of it.”

The tears came then, and this time she let them. She missed her mother so much it hurt, but right now, in this moment, she didn’t feel alone. Her mother had known her so well, known what she’d need even before Sophie herself did.

As the waves lapped softly against the shore, Sophie let out a long, shaky breath. For the first time in months, the emptiness in her chest didn’t feel quite so unbearable. She missed her mother, yes, and she always would. But this letter, these words—it was like her mother was still here, still holding her hand through the hardest parts.

Sophie folded the letter carefully, tucking it back into her jacket. The sun had dipped below the horizon now, leaving behind only the soft glow of twilight. She stood there for a while longer, letting the cool air calm her.

When she finally turned to leave, her heart felt a little lighter. She knew the ache would always be there, but maybe that was okay. Maybe it was just part of keeping her mother close, in the only way she could now.

And as she walked away, the wind whispered her mother’s words again: YOU ARE ENOUGH.

~~~

If you’re feeling like you’re not enough, remember this: you are enough just as you are. Life can be tough, but your feelings and experiences matter. Embrace your journey and know that every small step forward is a sign of your strength. You are not alone—hold onto hope and believe in your worth. Keep shining!