If I could write a letter to me, I'd tell my elementary school self, "stop worrying so much. So what if people call you a “teacher’s pet.” At least you’re doing the right thing. Let your mom pick out your clothes, and put big hair-bows in your hair. She enjoys it and isn’t ready for you to grow up yet. Don’t let those girls make you cry. Groups of friends in threes always leave one out, but you are capable of making new friends easily. Don’t take to heart the comment the little boy said about you gaining weight. Eat what you want while your metabolism is still great. Don’t get annoyed when your best friend copies everything you do; it’s a major compliment. Forgetting to do a homework assignment every once in a while isn’t the end of the world. Take notice at how much your parents do for you. Cherish every daddy-daughter date, of ice cream sundaes from Sonic, swinging as high as you can at the park, and renting Blockbuster movies."

If I could write a letter to me, I'd tell my middle school self, "not to become so consumed with your cell phone. Take care of your dog. It isn’t your mom’s job. Boys are not important at this age. Period. It’s okay to still want to climb in your mom’s bed late at night. Choose your friends wisely. Some are too eager to grow up. Stay a kid as long as you can. Never lose your love for reading. Try to be nice to your brother. He thinks you’re “cool,” that’s why he won’t leave you and your friends alone. Make time to hang out with your grandma. She was the one who built forts with you, sang songs, and played pretend all those years. She misses your attention. When the girl in your class tries to cheat off of you, SAY NO. It’s better than getting a zero. Wearing a bra and starting your period are normal, nothing to be embarrassed about. Be more understanding when your mom starts to date again. She deserves to be happy too."

If I could write a letter to me, I'd tell my high school self to, "Eat. Take care of yourself. Your weight isn’t all that matters. When that boy breaks your heart, and dates your friend, don’t retaliate with hate. You can do better. You attract the outcasts and that’s a blessing. Continue being nice to everyone, no matter who they are. They need a friend. Have more respect for your teachers. Follow their class rules, and listen to them when they’re speaking. Don’t downgrade your values for a boy. It’s okay to tell people no. Gossiping is never okay especially if it’s someone you call a friend. Being empathetic is one of your best traits. Most of the time people deserve forgiveness and a second chance. People can change. But if they continue to do what they said they wouldn’t, walk away. Your happiness is more important than having your heart drug around. Put your friends before your boyfriend. They were there before him, and if you treat them right, they’ll be there when he is no longer around. Take in, and enjoy every moment of youth group (yes even the camping trip disasters). When it's over you will miss it more than you know."

If I could write a letter to me, I'd tell my college freshman self, "STUDY. Don’t think you can glide through college like you did high school. It doesn’t work that way. Breathe. No one is judging you as much as you think they are. Go with your gut, not what you think people want you to do. Call your mom every chance you get, not just when you need money. Make trips home as much as possible. The house feels emptier with you no longer around. Don’t lose touch with God. I know it’ll be tempting to follow the crowd but it will leave you feeling empty. Learn your worth. Learn who you are. Decide the kind of person you want to be then, stand your ground. People will try to push you around, but you have to hold your head high, be the bigger person, stand up for yourself and what you know is right. You are not obligated to be anyone’s friend that makes you feel bad about yourself."

If I could write a letter to me, I'd tell my college sophomore self, "Living home was the best choice for you. Don’t let people make you feel bad about your decision. Old friends are the biggest blessing. It’s always good to put school first. Grades will reflect your ambition. You should be proud. Recognize your mom's hard work. She wishes she was home more but she does what she does to give you the best life possible. Help her with your siblings as much as you can. It’s okay to be a homebody, and not like partying. Recognize your stepdad’s big heart. He did not have to take you and your brother in as his own, but he did, and that’s a blessing in itself. Long distance relationships are hard work. Know you need to make yourself happy before focusing on someone else. Reach out to your dad and try to see him every chance you get. Don’t hold the past against him. He loves you more than you can imagine. Lean on God. He’s the only way you will make it through school stress, heartbreak, bad grades, surgery, mean girls, rough days, and finding happiness. He knows what He is doing even when you cannot see it. Learning to forgive will be one of the most freeing experiences you will have. Realize how blessed you are. You have an amazing life now and ahead of you. Take the bumps in the road in stride and know they are just making you stronger."

See you soon,

A more experienced me