Forgive me for giving you a name, for referring to you as "Someone" in my letters.
Embracing the diversity of my readers and a heartfelt definition of the soul behind the salutation
Dear, Dear Someone, _
I hope you forgive me for giving you a name, for referring to you as "Someone" in my letters, and for presuming to understand the depths of your struggles, your heartaches, your emotions, and your joy.
You see, I don't have a specific person in mind when I sit down to write these Vistas of Hope letters at night. My only hope is that it will make whoever stumbles upon the words feel warm, loved, and less lonely when they wake up the next day. Addressing you as "Dear, Dear Someone" or “Dear Someone” has always felt like writing to a friend who is uniquely individual, universally connected in the journey we all share, and in need of hope, faith, and love.
Just because we haven't met doesn't mean I don't know you. "Dear, Dear Someone" is meant to represent all of you: the broken-hearted, the lost, the weary, the hopeful, the faithful, and the one seeking solace, strength, or perhaps just a quiet companion in their moment of need. You are the ones searching for comfort, for strength, and for a way forward.
For years, I have been granted the opportunity to write to you for every season and story and to constantly remind you never to stop dreaming about the life and love you deserve. With over a thousand letters written for me and you in the past ten years, "Dear, Dear Someone" has taken on a life of its own, evolving into something more profound than a simple salutation. So, it’s time I tell you who you are, or rather, who you can be, when you see yourself in the words I pour my heart out to each day.
"Dear, Dear Someone" is more than just a placeholder. It is more than a generic greetings. It represents every individual navigating the intricate maze of life’s relationships. This is the anatomy of somone. Let's explore who embodies this Someone:
—The Believer:
You are someone who holds onto faith, even when the world feels heavy and the path is uncertain. You are the one clinging to faith when doubt threatens to consume you. You are the quiet observer, the empath, the one who feels things deeply and carries the weight of the world on their shoulders. Whether navigating the depths of spiritual doubt or basking in moments of divine clarity, your journey with God is deeply personal and profoundly significant.
—The Heartbroken:
You are someone who has felt the sting of devastating heartbreak and betrayal in their various forms, the ache of loneliness, and the fear of an uncertain future. You have loved and lost. You are the one nursing a broken heart, questioning your faith, or navigating the choppy waters of relationships. Whether it’s from a romantic relationship, a friendship, a family bond, the loss of a loved one, or the shattering of a lifelong dream, the pain of loss, of a broken heart, and the process of healing are familiar territories. My words reach out to comfort you and remind you that healing is possible and that you are not alone.
—The Seeker:
You are someone on a quest for meaning and understanding in relationships. Be it love, friendship, or familial bonds, your heart seeks connection and clarity. You have questioned your worth, your purpose, and your place in this world. You have grappled with self-doubt, insecurity, and the nagging feeling that you are not enough. You have wondered if you will ever find true love, if you will ever be able to forgive yourself for past mistakes, or if you will ever find the strength to move forward. These letters speak to your curiosity and your desire to build relationships that are genuine and nurturing.
—The Divorced:
You are someone who has faced the end of a marriage—a painful chapter in life closing with all its complexities and emotional weight. You are the single mom longing for the touch of a loving hand. My letters aim to offer solace, encouragement, and hope for new beginnings, assuring you that you can find peace and joy again.
—The Restless Soul:
You are someone who feels the turbulence of life’s challenges and changes. You are the one who feels unseen. The one who silently battles your demons, hides your tears behind a smile, and questions your worth in a world that often feels indifferent. You have soared to great heights and stumbled through crushing lows. In the midst of struggles—be it career, personal growth, or existential questions—these letters are written to offer you a moment of respite and a reminder that you have the strength to endure and thrive.
—The Lover:
You are someone whose heart beats with love, in all its forms. Whether experiencing the highs of newfound affection, the steady warmth of long-term companionship, searching for love in the midst of loneliness, or the ache of unrequited feelings, you will find reflections of your own emotions in these letters.
—The Survivor
You are someone who has faced adversity, grappled with the raw, messy, and beautiful complexities of life, and continues to rise above them. You have experienced the ups and downs of life, the sting of betrayal, the warmth of forgiveness, the quiet power of resilience, and the joys and sorrows that come with being human. You have loved and lost, celebrated victories, and endured defeats.
You have faced challenges that have tested your faith in yourself, in others, and perhaps even in a higher power. You have a resilient spirit that refuses to be broken, no matter how strong the winds of adversity may blow. Be it abuse, betrayal, or any form of deep hurt, my words are here to remind you of your resilience and to encourage you to keep moving forward with hope and courage.
—The Hopeful:
You are someone who, despite everything, holds on to hope. In the face of despair, you believe in the possibility of better days, of healing, of being true and enduring, and of finding hope in the darkest of times. You believe in taking the energy and love you have wasted on the wrong people and turning that power inward. You are not defined by your past, your mistakes, or your current circumstances. You are a work in progress, constantly evolving, learning, and growing. These letters are a testament to your optimistic spirit and a beacon to keep your hope alive.
So when you see those words, "Dear, Dear Someone," know that I am speaking directly to you. To remind you that each scar you bear is a testament to your strength, each tear a reminder of your capacity to feel deeply, and each smile a glimpse of the indomitable spirit that resides within you.
So whoever you are, wherever you are in your life's journey, if you see yourself reflected in these words, if you find a piece of your own story within the lines I write, know that you are seen, you are heard, and you are not alone. You are a composite of many hearts, many stories, and many journeys. Each letter I write to you is a small offering of love, faith, and hope, meant to resonate with you.
My letters are meant to speak to the joy of finding that special connection or the devastation of having it ripped away. To remind you of your inherent worth, your unbreakable spirit, and your ability to overcome. I write to offer you hope, faith, and love, even in the moments when you feel most undeserving. I write to assure you that you are not alone, that your story matters, and that even in the darkest of times, your journey is one of significance.
You, dear reader, are "Someone," and these letters and this space are for you. You are the reason I continue to write. When I write "Dear, Dear Someone," I'm writing to the part of you that has known heartache, that has questioned your worth, that has struggled to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
So when you see those words, "Dear, Dear Someone," know that I am speaking directly to you. I am pouring my heart out to the believer, the heartbroken, the divorced, the hurting, the restless soul, the healing, the lover, the survivor, and the hopeful—to all of you who have dared to open yourselves up to love, only to have it taken away. My words are for the "Someone" in all of us.
Whenever you see the words "Dear, Dear Someone," know that I am also saying "Dear Kindred Soul," "Dear Warrior of Love," "Dear Gentle Spirit," "Dear Courageous One," "Dear Seeker of Light," "Dear Hopeful Heart," and "Dear Resilient Soul." Each of these salutations represents a facet of your being, a glimmer of the unique and beautiful person you are. By addressing you as "Someone," I aim to encompass all of these aspects and more, acknowledging the complex tapestry of experiences, emotions, and qualities that make you who you are.
Though I may never know your name, your face, or your specific circumstances here on earth, I believe that our paths have crossed for a reason. Through these words, we have connected on a deeper level, sharing in the universal experiences of love, loss, hope, and resilience. As you read these letters, I hope you feel a sense of kinship, a recognition that you are not alone in your journey. Though we may be strangers, know that you have a friend and companion in me, someone who understands and appreciates the beautiful complexity of your soul.
I know that you may sometimes see yourself reflected in my words, feeling as though the letters are speaking directly to you. Perhaps we have crossed paths before, sharing a conversation or a moment of connection that has stayed with you. If this is the case, I am honoured to have played a small role in your journey. However, I want you to know that these letters are not meant for any one person in particular, but rather, they are a tribute to all who have faced the challenges of life with grace, courage, and resilience.
You're destined to love again, and you will find love as you found these letters.
My letters will always be a tribute to all the souls who wander in the shadows of curiosity and question if my words are meant for them. You are the ones who inspire me, who fill my pages with your stories, your hopes, and your fears. You are the ones who make me feel less alone, who share this journey with me, and who breathe life into my letters. My letters are for you, and only you. They will make sense to you as you continue to read them. They will stay with you till you feel strong, passionate, and filled with love.
So, forgive me for giving you a name, Dear, Dear Someone. But know that in doing so, I honour your existence, your resilience, and your boundless capacity for love and growth. You are Someone, and that is everything.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey, for trusting me with your vulnerabilities, and for being the "Someone" that breathes life into these letters. Your existence is a gift, and your story is a beacon of light in a world that often feels shrouded in darkness. May you always find solace and strength in these words.
With love and hope,
Ali Papa.
—Thank you for taking the time to read my letters.
If you love this letter, you’ll love my books. They are written for you, to warm your heart and soul. They are written for broken hearts of all shapes and sizes. They are full of good things—everything I have been wanting to say to you and they are available for FREE download to all tribe members.
If you were unable to find yourself in today's letter, you don't have to worry. Tell me what you feel here, and I will write you a personal letter. The same God who can help you get by in life can also help you excel in life.
—Who is Ali Papa?
I'm a husband, father, friend, and merchant of faith, hope, and love, crafting heartfelt letters for every season and story. Writing to you is more than a hobby for me. It's a passion, a calling, and a way of life. I pour my heart and soul into every letter I send you, hoping to inspire you, inform you, heal with compassion, illuminate paths, instill courage, uplift spirits, spread positivity, and connect with sincerity.
My wish is that you continue to find the words that express your deepest and strongest emotions from them, regardless of the circumstances, and that you keep experiencing life, love, freedom, and fulfilment in your relationship. I live in Port Harcourt with my supportive wife and three adorable kids, who teach me the value of love every day.
