Dear 10-year-old Me,

It’s you, from the future. Yes, I know it’s exciting, but I’m here to give you some advice I think is really going to help you for the next 9 years.

First off, get ready for the next year to be a whirlwind of emotions. You’re going to start 6th grade - good luck with that. Your periods going to start; and trust me, no you are not dying when that happens. And finally, your parents are going to realize they’re better off without each other, and that’s not your fault at all.

You’re going to feel like the world is against you most of the time, but that isn’t the case. One bad thing doesn’t make it a bad life, it just makes it a bad day.

Remember to stay true to who you are. There will be a lot of people who pressure you to change or to be different, but your quirks and your shyness only make you more empathetic.

Remember to be kind. I know it won’t always be the easy route, but it will be the high route; and trust me, being caring and humble will make you feel a whole lot better than any of your selfish actions will.

High school is going to be hard. You won’t necessarily fit in at first, but that’s okay. Stick to what you know, and find a way to make yourself feel comfortable first. Plus, your best friend will transfer into your gym class, and those scary boys won’t feel as scary anymore.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. When those people say those things about you, don’t let them. You’re worth more than that.

Be thankful for the people that help you through the tough times. It may be hard to talk about your feelings, but the more you open up, the closer people get to you.

Most importantly, your mental illness doesn’t define you. Don’t be afraid to talk about it, because the more you bottle it up, the more it eats away at you.

And when you think you won’t be able to go to college, don’t implode on yourself. Talk to the people that are there for you, because you’ll come to realize they’re only trying to help you get better.

Seeing a therapist is okay. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t feel like you have to lie to your friends when they ask you why you can’t hang out. Be honest.

Lastly, your first year of college is going to be hard. You’re going to feel lost, but trust me, the best is yet to come.

When you question your decision to transfer, don’t. It will be the best decision you have ever made, and you’re going to meet your best friends once you do.

Also, don’t be afraid of letting go. Holding on to things that aren’t there anymore only hurt you. You need to take care of yourself, and that does not make you a bad person.

Everything you went to leading up to your 19th birthday is going to be hard, I know. But life gets so so good after that, and you deserve to see it through.

With love,