Kesha Shares an Emotional Letter To Her 18-Year-Old Self

“There is light and beauty after the storm.”

Kesha has just released her emotional new song, “Rainbow,” which sounds like a love note to anyone who has ever gotten through tough times and emerged brighter and more beautiful than before. After going through a whirlwind career of her own, that’s exactly what the singer is trying to share.

In celebration of her inspiring and meaningful new single reveal, Kesha put together a video for “CBS This Morning,” that compiles some throwback footage from her childhood and budding music career. Speaking over the images, now 30-year-old Kesha reads an advice-packed letter written directly to her own self at 18 years old.

“When you’re trying to live up to an unrealistic expectation, it’s never going to be good enough,” Kesha shares in the video. “No matter what you do…. Beware, the internet will get way less innocent, real fast. Just save yourself some anxiety and a few years’ worth of therapy, and just skip the comments section altogether. It’s a breeding ground for negativity and hate.”

“Don’t let people scare you and shame you into changing the things about yourself that make you unique and interesting,” she adds. “Those qualities will make your life so magical. You must be strong, because over time you will learn that words and art DO matter… You’re going to learn that art can heal people.”

“One day you’re going to write a song called “Rainbow,” and you’re going to be really proud of it,” Kesha says. “Because there is light and beauty after the storm.”

To hear Kesha read the pages of her journal and hear the full letter to her 18-year-old self, make sure to check out her video below.

And if you’re moved by Kesha’s words, make sure to support her by picking up the song.

Written by Kristine Hope Kowalski