Dear seven-year-old Julia,

There are a lot of things that I have to tell you, but because your life has turned into a whirlwind of events, obtaining romance, heartache, disappointment, a nuance of adventures, and all of the above ... I have decided to just let you on a few.

I'm writing to you because there are some things here that I wish I could have told myself when I was younger. I wish that there was someone who could tell me what I wish I could have known at ten, twelve, sixteen, eighteen ... but there wasn't, and that's okay. I know that seven seems pretty early, but that's why I wanted to write this to you. You can look at it later, and it'll all make more sense throughout the years. Another part of me just wants to share some of my insight and experience with past you because I'm excited for your future.

So here it is, young one ...

Time to get used to talking to people more and not being so shy, because when you get to be about fourteen years old, you're going to be talking a lot and meeting new people. I know, I know. It's weird breaking out of your shell right now, which consists of drawing, writing and keeping to your innermost thoughts. (whatever a six year old thinks about) I know talking is weird, and you hate it when people try and invade your little bubble that you have created for yourself — especially other kids your age right now. Don't fret, though. That social anxiety will slowly melt away.

And the friend thing? Don't worry. You're going to meet some of the best friends you've ever had in both high school and college, as well as meeting some of the nicest people around. You'll also be rekindling a friendship with someone who has been there for a long time.








But that leads me into my next insight for you; you will still be introverted at heart. When you get to college, you're going to feel a little bit different from everyone else because you don't exactly partake in the "typical" college activities such as drinking and partying. I want to tell you that it's okay, and in the end, good things start to happen. Staying true to yourself is crucial, and I'm really proud at how far you have come thus far. Right now, you stick to the beat of your own drum, and you are honest about who you are with others, no matter their judgement or the consequences. Also, partying ain't that exciting, just so you know.


You're going to be disappointed a lot as you get older, and I can tell you right now that when you're about thirteen or fourteen years old, you're going to feel replaced and forgotten about. You'll know what I mean when you get there. But what I want you to remember, the most important thing in the world, is that you are wanted. You are beautiful, and you have family that does care about you and love you unconditionally. And don't worry - because after awhile, you come to realize that this person who pushed you away, wasn't worth it in the long run. It's going to sting for a bit, but your life is going to get so much better with them gone. So please, keep that in mind when you're battling that situation.

Hey, so you know how you're ballet right now? I think you're in light blue ballet, right? Well, surprise! You're going to be doing ballet, tap, and jazz until you're eighteen! Better get used to those tap shoes that you'll be ordering next year, and in a few years after, jazz shoes. It was your choice to do all three classes. It's going to be a lot, and I mean A LOT of work. By the time you're twelve, you're going to transition into point shoes - the ballet slippers where you stand on your tippy toes. And yes, I have to warn you that you're going to get so many blisters. I don't want to freak you out, but ballet, tap, and jazz is going to be hard work. Oh and let me tell you a secret . . . you rock at tap dancing, and it turns out to be your absolute favorite. But the most exciting thing is that you get to be Sleeping Beauty during your Senior Year. Okay . . . I don't want to give more insight away!


You get a little sister! Yes you heard that correctly. I know it's probably weird, because you've always been the "only child" and for the past seven years, it's been about you. I won't tell you when you get a sibling, because that would ruin the surprise, but at least now you know, so you can get ready. (haha) And she is adorable. You will love her with all of your heart. P.S. You never get jealous of her, so don't worry.


As you get older, you kind of gain a cheesy sense of humor ... and that's all I'm really going to say on that one.

You're going to have a "party phase" when you're nineteen years old. Don't worry — it goes by pretty quickly, and I think it's just something that you needed to experience because it's your first year out of high school. Don't be hard on yourself about it. You're going to be alright, and nothing terrible happens. Keep in mind that most young people always go through this kind of thing at least once in their lives.

You've got good sense of style, and the awkwardness doesn't last forever, let me tell you that. You have hope, young one. You will, however, go through that weird stage where all you wear is that one Aeropostle sweater in seventh grade, wear dark pencil eye liner, and hardly ever wash your hair. It's kind of gross, but we'll let it slide considering you were just hitting puberty. I'll warn you that you also get braces. Yes, I'm so, so sorry.


During elementary and middle school, you are going to be extremely self-conscious. I want you to remember that it's okay to be comfortable in your skin, and it's even okay to be uncomfortable in your skin. Middle school is going to be a super-mega ultra awkward time for you, I know that. But what I wish someone could tell me, is that you're going to actually make it out alive - and obviously, I know this, because I am here years later. And don't stress so much about middle school. Oh, and bare through those dreadful swimming gym classes. The awesome thing, though, is that you care less what people think by the time you graduate high school in 2013. This is the part where you learn more about yourself, and finally start to be comfortable in your own skin. Proud.


You become your aunt's maid of honor at her wedding.
Yes, Candice. Your aunt, who is eleven years old as you read this, the one who locks you in the hall closet for fun, who you follow around and bother, who you look up to at the end of the day, and who you end up fighting with like sisters. She ends up getting married. Need proof? P.S. your maid of honor speech is just great — you make the audience laugh, too.


This might be giving away too much, but you're going to fall in love for the first time when you are fifteen years old. You're also going to have your first heartache when you're seventeen. I'm not going to say more than that, and that you are going to ache so much — body and soul. But if there is one thing that I wish I could tell my young, seventeen year old self, is that it's really not the end of the world. I'm writing this at twenty-one, and my life has changed so much — YOUR life has changed so much. Just remember to cherish the times you will have with that boy, but know that there are other moments in your life when something incredible and significant can happen. He was your first, but he most definitely won't be your last.

You're stronger than you think you are. One word for you, my dear: resilience. Certain unique situations will come up in your life, and sometimes you won't know how to handle them and you will get overwhelmed. However, you completely make it through all of them — up until age twenty one, anyway. You are incredible, and I am telling you this now so you don't doubt yourself when you get older — I wish I could tell myself how amazing I was. Not in a conceited way, but in a genuine way. So ... don't give up. Ever. You're going to make it just fine.


You're going to struggle with school. A lot. In fact, you have a learning disability. I figured I'd tell you now just so you aren't trying to figure out what is wrong with you later. A learning disability is where it's hard for you to comprehend things, they don't necessary "click", and you need assistance, patience, elongated test time, and you get anxious before taking a test. You also struggle with math the most. When you're about twelve and in sixth grade, that's when you'll really start to notice it. You're going to undergo a lot of obstacles, but you mustn't give up, and you mustn't think you're worthless, stupid or don't deserve to go to college. In fact, you DO end up going to University. And right now, you're kicking a$$.

You stand up for yourself quite a bit, and it's pretty incredible. You go through years, years of being made the "peasant" of friend groups in middle school and in high school partially. But you eventually stand up for yourself, and you're not afraid to let people know how you feel at the end of the day. Right now, you're timid, I know. And later on, you'll be even more afraid of the mean girls. But just you wait ... it gets good.


You know how you love drawing, coloring, and writing stories right now? Well guess what? You're going to pursue that throughout the upcoming years, throughout high school, and end up becoming an English Major in college. Isn't that craziness? Your whole world revolves around music, art, dancing, reading, writing ... doesn't sound too unfamiliar does it? It actually hits very close to home, and that's because the way you are now, isn't quite different from who you will become. You will use those gifts of writing and art and music, and expand them. Don't let ANYONE tell you that you're wasting your time with what you love to do. This is your passion. The arts are what you know. Creativity flows through your veins.


And one more thing . . .

I love you.

Sincerely, twenty-one-year-old future you,
Julia