A week ago today I was sitting with my best friend out on the curb. I was shaking physically. I felt so sick and all my insides felt like they were twisted up in a big knot. I had completely lost my appetite over the last few weeks and could not eat. I was so scared guys. I had no idea what reaction my video would get… I was so scared that I would be shot down and that my life’s dream to tell this story in a beautiful way would have failed. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to pay off my credit card debt from the video shoot, and not be able to pay rent and ultimately be evicted from my apartment. I was scared my parents would be ashamed of me. I was scared I would lose my jobs.

I can go on and on… Getting to today has been quite a journey… and I know this is long and I apologize for that.. People are already saying I’m going to end up hurt by wearing my heart on my sleeve. That the press will eat me alive. but you guys deserve nothing but my full heart.

The rising hits on the video and the fact that I’m getting all this press is great, but really, for me, it comes down to you guys: those of you who have been deeply moved by my song/story. The fact that I have had such an effect on you that you have taken the time to write to me and tell me your stories… That is all I ever wanted… to have my story resonate with people. For the first time in my life, truly, I feel like I don’t have to be ashamed of myself anymore.

For a long time I have felt like a failure. Without money, or a college degree, or a steady job, and frequently having to couch hop because I couldn’t afford my apartment in the city anymore. I felt so ashamed when people would ask me, “so what are you doing with your life,” and I would tell them about how I’m writing music knowing, that in their minds, they were just rolling their eyes.

But you have forever changed me. You have inspired me. We are going to take this world by storm. I love you guys… I feel though I don’t know all of you personally we are connected in a very special way somehow … in our aching and in our longing. In our desire to make the world a better place by being leaders and by being brave…from all the messages I have read… I can be honest when I say I a blown away by your bravery.