Dear Younger James,

It may seem like you are never going to get anywhere, but now being 23 I am here to tell you that it does get better. Much better.

What every pain or hardships you are feeling now will totally fade into feelings of joy and acceptance. You feel like that you have no friends at all and that the whole world is against you, but you will realize that it is not the case. Your two biggest fans are living under the same roof as you

Mom and Dad are here to help and guide you. It may seem like they are picking on you and torturing you, but they are doing it out of love and want to push you to see you become the best you can be.

Don't think for one minute that these bullies in middle and high school have any say in determining your future. Don't take anything there saying to be true. You are not weird. You are not a freak. Don't believe when they say "no one likes you", because, you will find people who love you for you. Wonderful people out there do exist, and you will eventually meet them and become best friends with them.

People take advantage of your kindness, or they make think that you being kind is weird and whatnot. Do not take that to heart, don't change for anyone, only for yourself. You should only change to better yourself. Stand up for what you believe in. Don't cower in fear to anyone who tries to knock you . Stand up and fight. You are a leader, not a follower.

Those lonely days of not being invited out or to go out with anyone will be over soon. People will soon be asking you to hang out, go get coffee and have dinner. Some may invite you on a road trip and go to places you have always wanted to go, but never could because you had no one to go with. All of this will be a reality sooner than latter

Don't think that you will never be successful because people are pushing you down. Yes, the climb will be difficult, and you will have to suck it up and do things that you don't want to do. But the rewards at the end are so amazing that you will be thankful that you pushed through the pain and the hardships.

Listen to Mom and Dad! I cannot stress that enough! They are there to help. Don't hold anything in. Go to the. Talk to them. Don't let the pent up anger fester inside of you. You need to talk to them, that is why they are there

I know it feels like people in your life keep walking out, but realize that it is not the end of the world when that happens. Don't be upset when someone decides one day to not be your friend. Don't be mad when some arrogant conceited jerk all of the suddenly that you don't measure up to their standards. Other people will fill in those voids. Much better people. People who love and care about you. People who will bring you up instead of tearing you down. Never look back. Always look forward!

And last but not least, never give up hope. There are going to be times when you just want to end it all and never look back. But if there is one thing that I wanna say to you, it is to keep fighting. The pain you feel now well not even compare to the joy you will feel that will come later in life. Be proud that you March to the beat of a different drum. Realize that different isn't bad! You are a winner and you will win big time in the future

Sincerely,

23 year old, present day, James