Happy Monday, my hearts. Let’s start this week with a truth you might need to hear today: You are loved and valued, even when things feel really hard.

Life has a way of testing us, pushing us to our limits when we least expect it. During those moments, it’s easy to believe the lie that our struggles define our worth. But here’s the reality: your value isn’t tied to your productivity, your success, or how much you feel like you’re “keeping it together.” You matter just as you are, even when life feels overwhelming.

One of the themes I love exploring in my books—like Holland, My Heart and When Ivy Met Adam—is how deeply flawed yet deeply loved we can be. My characters go through heartbreak, doubt, and growth, but at the core of their journeys is the reminder that they’re worthy of love, even when they don’t feel like it.

If today feels heavy, here are a few ways to reconnect with your own worth:

1. Practice Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself the way you’d comfort a dear friend.

2. Lean Into Connection: Call someone who lifts you up, or simply remind yourself of the people who care about you.

3. Focus on the Small Joys: Whether it’s your favorite book, a cozy blanket, or the sound of rain, let simple pleasures ground you.

4. Remember Your Resilience: Every hard day you’ve faced has shaped you into someone stronger.

Let this week be a reminder that you’re not alone, and you’re deeply loved—by those around you, and by the world you’re creating through your presence.