Dear Future Self,

I told you not to give up, I told you that it would get better!

Look at you, you graduated high school, you have your college degree, and you are thriving in your career. You even have a family of your own now.

The most important thing is that you love yourself now. You have so much to be proud of. Sure, you had your bumps in the road but you made it and that's what's important to you right now.

Looking back on your life, you are happy overall with how things turned out. Would you want to do somethings differently? Yeah, maybe, but then you wouldn't be the person that you are now.

However, when you're moving forward with your life there are some things to keep in mind.

You should always stand up for yourself. Do not let anyone walk all over you for any reason.

Remember who you are and where you came from. Remember the people who gave you everything when you had nothing.

If it's not going to matter in five years, don't spend time being upset about it.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Understand that not everyone has been through things the same way that you got raised.

Everything you’re going through is teaching you something, let yourself learn from it.

All those bullies you went to school with grew up to be ugly.

Those mental, emotional, and physical scars are a reminder that you survived.

Nothing in life is permanent. You can change for the better and it’s so worth it.

It is so important that you remember all of these things, future self because if you don’t, everything that you have worked for means next to nothing. Future self these are the things that have gotten you to the place that you are now. As you continue to grow and change these are the things that are going to continue to help you move forward in your life.

Love your 20-year-old self.