Dear Future Self,

I hope you remember me. I’m that 18 year old girl that was on the other side of the mirror when you looked in it. I hope you’re well. I hope you’re happy.

I hope you’re married now after all these years and that you have a husband that treats you with respect and gives you the love I know you need. If you’re not married, I hope that you’re reminded of your worth in Christ. Please don't define your worth based on a man. Find your satisfaction in the Man who died for you.

If you have kids. Breathe. Don’t kill them.

Please, ask yourself daily if you’re doing enough to be a good wife.

How’s your relationship with Christ going? Do you remember to praise Him in your triumphs and your storms? Do you still spend time with Him?

I hope you still dance to your favorite songs.

Are you getting enough “ME” time? Take care of yourself.

Never be anything but yourself. Always.

Keep laughing at everything in obnoxious ways.

Face your challenges head on. Be fearless in the way you interact with people. Don’t let your fear of losing people keep you from loving them with all of your heart.

If your career isn’t going how you wanted it to go, that’s okay. It doesn’t define you. Keep striving for greatness and never forget that some of the greatest entrepreneurs had to start from the bottom and stay there for years before they got to where they wanted to be.

If you feel like a failure, remind yourself who you are and who you are not. Remind yourself that you are a daughter of the King. Remind yourself that you are not the product of your mistakes.

Be honest. With yourself and with others.

Stay humble.

Don’t be afraid to say “no” for your own good.

Eat the chocolate ice cream.

I hope you still dance around wherever you go.

I hope you still laugh at everything and that you don’t let life get you down.

If you lose friends, it’s okay. Don’t let that bring you down. Don’t let that stop you from making new friends and don’t go into depression mode because of it.

I hope you take time to love yourself.

Work hard. Dream big.

Never forget who God has called you to be.

When your plans get rearranged, make the most of it.

In fact, make the most of every situation.

What is stopping you from being the best you’ve ever been?

Thank your friends for being there for you, because there was a time when they weren’t. Do you remember the struggles you had?

I hope you remember all the good times we spent together and that you appreciate all the struggles you went through to get you where you are now.

Love,

Your 18 year-old self