I don’t know much about this world at all. In fact, I’ll be the first to admit that I have only experienced a small, I mean microscopic, fraction of the aspects that make up life, and that I’m a lot better at pointing out when people handle things wrong than suggesting a correct way it should be done. I’m a lot better at thinking I would handle a situation I’ve yet to encounter differently than others instead of trying to see where someone is coming from. I am entirely too big for my britches and like to pretend I understand things that are much beyond my years. I’m quick to assume that adults are bitter, arrogant, oversized children who are just too stubborn to learn something new, and slow to remember it’s because they actually have been there and actually have done that.

While I will gladly admire an adult, I will admit I am not good at fully understanding them. It’s because I’m not one, and won’t truly “get them” until I am. One thing I am for sure of, is that they all have something valuable to offer- advice. For the most part, amazing advice. Something that at this young and vulnerable stage of our lives we are always in lack of. I can’t help but be bothered, though, by the feeling that through the inspiring and honest sentiments about what life can and should be sometimes these adults forget to listen to themselves.

So today I want to write to my future self, and I want to start off by saying you were really the arrogant, oversized child and that I am sorry for all the things you’re experiencing now that are the repercussions of my actions. I’m sorry for all the times you’ve been “put in your place” because of my naive thoughts, for all the times you’ve been judged for my previous judgements, and for all the times your world is rocked because I really didn’t have a clue. I want you to know that all of my shortcomings, and all of your subsequent flaws, stem from a big heart, large imagination, and mind that does not cease to wander. I want you to know that you received great advice about adulthood, and that you shouldn’t let it go to waste. So here below are a few things that you actually had right at a young age, and that you should always remind yourself of.

1. You should be a giver. Give your money to those who haven’t had the time to acquire wealth yet. Give your love to those who are in deficit of it elsewhere. Give your time to anyone who accepts it.
2. Plans are made to fail. It’s the beauty of life and its unpredictability. Don’t become flustered or bogged down by the false idea that your life sucks because nothing goes your way- it isn’t really supposed to.
3. God is more of a healthy lifestyle than a quick-fix, five-day diet. You can’t only call on him when it all falls on you. It’s a daily relationship, and while he’ll never turn you or your cries away he’d love to hear your praises and happiness as well.
4. Friendship is invaluable. Don’t get so caught up in your job, and your kids, and your spouse that you forget to have friends. They are such a well of joy, laughter, and support that I cannot imagine having to face the trials of the adult world without some.
5. Asking for help is not as hard as it seems and you don’t look as weak as you feel. People cannot do anything for you if they don’t realize anything is wrong. Suffering in silence brews more problems.
6. Younger kids know that you’re always right, you don’t have to tell them four hundred times. They’re going to do what they want anyway because the best learning is through experience.
7. Being honest is not always easy but is always worth it. So, be honest. Be Honest.I promise at 19 I know that being honest is hard, but I already see now how small lies, bending the truth, and omitting details can spiral into an awful situation.
8. Everyone watches you dance up and down the aisles at the grocery store, in the clothing department, or around the office. They smile more than they scowl. Don’t stop doing that.
9. You deserve the love you give. You owe it to yourself to provide it if no one else currently is. You can’t do for others if you aren’t together yourself. So spend time on your soul, spend time on your wellbeing. Spend time on you.
10. You may think you’ll never get over whatever the newest “it” in your life is, but you also thought that all the “its” I’m going through would last forever. They didn’t.
11. The decisions you make show your character, the decisions made for you that are overcome show your ability. Don’t confuse the two.

Lastly, be the adult that inspires and entices younger generations to grow up well. Because they really do pay attention. Don’t break their view of marriage, don’t screw with their idea of hope, and don’t teach greed. Be the realest you out there, but be real good as well. Do for nineteen year olds what has been done for me. Share your knowledge. Just don’t forget to live by it in the process.