Dear Past Self,
This is a little letter that I'm writing to you from some point in the future. Currently, you're 20 years old, you're in a wonderful relationship with the man of your dreams, you have a steady job, a car and a roof over your head. Yes, you still live at home with Mom, but hey, you have two dogs, too! Hope to write to you again soon!
Dear 4-Year-Old Self,
Currently, you're living in New York. You believe that life is great, and there's not a care for you in the world. You ride your bike up and down the sidewalk. You know, the one with Lola Bunny on the basket? You went over to the neighbor's yard and picked her flowers again. Your mother will hear about that later, for sure. You believe you, your brother, your sister and Daddy are going out to lunch when he comes home.
But he never comes home. Daddy's dead.
Dear 5-Year-Old Self,
You're moving today! You're not sure where you're going, but you have to leave your old life behind and pack up, start new and hopefully make some new friends. I know, it can be scary to think about, especially since you won't know anyone at your new school, but I can assure you that you're going to be fine. You'll make it through.
Dear 8-Year-Old Self,
"Dad" is gone. You don't know why, but it's just you, your brother, your sister and Mom again. You don't really know what's going on, you're scared. You'll be OK. Mom has this under control. You're going to be fine.
Dear 13-Year-Old Self,
Yes, that is entirely too much eyeliner. Yes, those jeans are too bright. Yes, those shoes are obnoxious. Yes, your music is way too loud. Yes, everyone is staring at you. Does that answer your questions? You're going to have a weird three years ahead of you, but you'll have a solid group of friends that really have your back and will back you up through anything. You'll learn one day, that being graduation, that the friends that you thought were your friends really weren't, and they'll ditch you. Two of your closest friends will take advantage of you, and you will have that be a cause of your trust issues later in life.
P.S. - you really like girls.
Dear 16-Year-Old Self,
What is sexuality, anyway? Let me break it down for you: You like both boys and girls, and that's OK. Mom will be supportive of you, even though she doesn't quite get it. It'll be great once you get this weight off of your chest. Don't sweat it!
Dear 16-Year-Old Self,
Today, three boys in health class will tell you to go home and kill yourself. They will look you straight in the eye and tell you to go home and cut yourself, because the world would be better off without you. You've had these thoughts before. You're on medication. It's the day before Easter Break, and you finally break down and tell someone that you think you have depression. They're going to take you to the guidance office and not let you leave until you promise you're not going to do anything to yourself. Also, hello body issues and sh*t self-esteem.
Dear 18-Year-Old Self,
You're going to make it. See that kid in the second row in the glasses? That's going to be the love of your life. I know, he's annoying and he taps his pencil on his desk all the time, but you'll get used to it. Don't be ashamed of your body — let it show.
Dear 20-Year-Old (Present) Self,
Here we are at the awkward stage in life where we can't get drunk, but we can pretty much do everything else. Your GPA is your life, you have a list of mental disorders, but hey, you make it through the best that you can. You're going to have better days ahead of you, and I know that you can make it. You're hella rad.
