Are you alone in the world? Most young people truly believe that no one understands what they are going through. In some ways you are right. No one is exactly like you and there is proof of that. DNA and finger prints can prove how different you are from everyone else. Like a snowflake, you are unique and no one can take that away from you.

However, the trials and tribulations of young people are very similar. The problems that you face everyday have been faced over and over before. But in no way does that make your problems less important. Actually, nothing is more important to you and that is totally normal. It really bothers me when others tell me that everyone has problems or they say "you think you have it bad". Those people really seem clueless and I am not interested in talking to them. No one should try to disregard your emotions. Your feelings are yours and they are real.

I was a teenage runaway and I understand. I have been beaten, molested and neglected and that was all before I left home. On my own, I was raped, stalked, chased, homeless, and hungry. After years on the road I began to understand how all that I have lived through had affected me. The most important lesson I have learned in my life was to always trust my instinct. We as human beings have survival tools built-in. One tool is called "fear". I can't stress enough how vitally important it is to utilize that God-given tool. Listen very closely to what your body tells you. If you are facing a situation that may be harmful you may feel anxiety and panic. Don't ignore those feelings, get away now! It could save your life.

I went through my entire life without the support of family. Not having guidance when I needed it the most was difficult. If you are like I was you must learn to listen to yourself. The message you receive when having to make choices under pressure, like doing drugs or having sex, may be subtle, but it is called "conscience". The slightest feeling of guilt or shame is your mind's way of telling you to say, "no". Keep your virtues strong because you are worth it. No one is any better or more deserving than you. The coolest kids are the ones who know the value of themselves.

When life gets hard and you feel lost, alone or helpless, please know that you have someone there to keep you safe. That person is You. If you have reached a time in your life where you are too desperate to think for yourself, and you really need help, pick up the phone and call someone who truly cares at 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit: http://www.1800runaway.org

Susan is an inspiring writer of stories, mostly non-fiction and her personal memoirs of her life as a teenage runaway. Please visit http://readmystoryat.blogspot.com/ for more!