Dear Hilary,
You can't let the world get you down. It may be hard at times, but you have to make yourself be happy. Trust me on this, okay? Sometimes I know that you'd rather just stay asleep all day, just so you don't have to face the world. In the end though, it'll all be worth it, I believe.
You can't compare yourself to others. I've learned that that's the best way to get depressed. You have to be the best Hilary you can possibly be. You are good at things, you're great at having deep/semi-important conversations with. You've always been there to hear the stupid stories of my day. And your advice is pretty spot on.
Happiness is in the cards for you, you just have to take the first step. According to John Mayer (And I believe him!), "The waking up is the hardest part." Once you've woken up and smelled the coffee, you can start being yourself again. It's tough to be happy at times, and sometimes life just seems like a routine. The challenge, is finding the little things and marvelling at them. Dancing in the rain, as well, but that's just fun no matter who you are.
You will find happiness, because you're that amazing. Remember this, when it feels like it's all over, just look on the sunny side. Sometimes it's hard to find, but there's always a silver lining.
~Billy