J.K. Rowling is no stranger to hardship.
The now phenomenally successful author was once a single parent struggling on benefits as she penned the first book of the Harry Potter series.
Although she is now a multi-millionaire and internationally acclaimed, she has never forgotten what it was like to desperately struggle in pursuit of a dream.
There are few better qualified to offer a message of hope to those not having great time this Christmas.
Today she took to Twitter to offer a genuinely uplifting Christmas message to those for whom this Christmas is not a time of joy.
I’ve had so many lovely messages wishing me a merry Christmas. Thank you! 1/12
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
At this time of year, we’re bombarded with images of perfect lives, which bear as little relation to reality as tinsel does to gold. 3/12
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
But if your life is currently full of difficulties; if you aren’t where you want to be, either literally or figuratively, 5/12
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
Thinking back to my worst Christmas, I found it hard to believe that my unhappiness would pass. I was truly afraid of the future. 7/12
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
So if you’re sad, or lonely, or bereaved, or ill, separated from your loved ones or in any other way suffering this Christmas, 9/12
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
Remember, Christmas Day is, in the end, just a day. It isn’t a test or a scorecard of you or your life, so be kind to yourself ❤️ 11/12
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
❄️☃️✨🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄✨☃️❄️
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016
Sage words from someone who’s been there.