By Barrie Davenport

Hey you — yes you reading this right now. I’m directing this post just to you.

Please, don’t stop believing in yourself.

Don’t stop believing in your dream.

Don’t give up hope or give up on yourself.

Don’t lose yourself in sadness, lethargy, anxiety, or despair.

Don’t forget that life is for the living, that every day is a chance to start over, that in spite of your sorrows and difficulties, you have so many blessings. Stop right now and count them. Think of something good about your life right now, even if it’s just that some stranger writing a blog is reaching out to you.

Last night I went to see my 20-year-old daughter perform in The Nutcracker with Richmond Ballet. She looked so stunning... More...