Dear 18-year-old me,
It's been almost two years now since your 18th birthday. You've done a lot, you've learned a lot, and you've damn sure changed a lot. There is no telling where you'll be in four years, but be excited for what's to come. If I were to get specific on everything that will happen to you, you will think that I am crazy and will probably have a major panic attack. But I promise you, it is all for the good. It's God's plan, and after what's done is done, you will look back and smile and feel a whole lot smarter than you did at that time.
Listen to your momma please. You're going to get closer to her these next two years, even if you think you can't get any closer to her than you are now. She loves you very much, and your time with your family is going to go down way more than you imagined it would before leaving for college (even though you're only 30 minutes away).
You still have your high school friends, no worries. All of you leaving for college takes a little bit of time to transition, but they're always there for you and when you all go home for the break, you will pick back up right where you left off.
You are about to meet the best friends that you've ever had. They're all very different, but somehow, the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly. They will be there when you laugh (that's going to be A LOT), they will be there for you when you embarrass yourself (lots too), and they will be there with a bottle of wine and comfort food when you are crying over something that they may not understand, but they will try to for your sake. They love you very much, girl. Hold on to them and always love them well.
You. are. not. as. put. together. as. you. think. you. are! Please just calm down a bit. Life isn't perfect, and the sooner you realize that, the easier going you will become. Life throws a ton of things at you, and although you think that it shows no mercy and you want to wallow in self-pity, look for the little bit of mercy it does give and work with it. You will be a happier person because of it.
GPA isn't everything, but please care a little more your freshman year. If you apply yourself, girl, you can get amazing grades. You won't learn this until next year though. That's okay, but I wish you would just realize it now. Also you like online classes better.
Jesus helps you with literally everything. And he has open arms to call you home no matter what has happened or how many times it has. He will be the love of your life if you just let Him be. It's a smart suggestion, and I suggest for you to start devotioning sometime soon (I just verbisized devotional) (I also just made "verb" a verb).
So, with that being said, please love yourself everyday. Life is too short and too long to be down on yourself all of the time. Go to the gym, take a power nap, apply yourself at something, and be confident. I love the person you're becoming. Keep going! I'm proud.
Love,
Me
