Let me start with this. These next few years are going to be very intense but you are going to do great. You're gonna go through several jobs, several relationships, have your heart crushed, be surrounded by people that genuinely love you and experience true and honest friendship. You'll probably meet your best friend and fall in love with people that won't know what to do with your heart. Don't let this scare you, rather let it excite you. Welcome to this great big buffet of life.

You just finished highschool and the world is your oyster (and every other coming-of-age cliche you can think of). You don't really know what you want to do with your life and that's okay. Trust me, years later and you still probably won't know. You entertain the idea of law school or maybe moving to New York or going to college (which you said you'd never do). You probably won't know what you're gonna do with your life 8-10 years down the line and that's great. You're a hot mess express, adorned with grace and fearlessness and you're headed for greatness.

You've got a big heart which means you've got big dreams. Don't stuff those dreams down for anyone. I know you want to believe everyone is as kind and strong as your mother but sometimes they're not. So hold on to your tough skin, you're gonna need it.

WIth your tough skin in hand, hold kindness and forgiveness in the other hand. The balance of these things is very important. Relationships aren't as easy as the movies make it seem. Boundaries with people you love, people you don't love, fellow employees, family members and everyone else-remember to be firm with your boundaries. Don't let anyone cross the lines you have so graciously set in place. People can and will love you with these in place. If they truly love you, they won't cross them.

Also, it's good to say no sometimes. Don't over-commit yourself. I know you could totally handle it but these next few years are the time to enjoy finding out who you are, not to work till your fingers bleed. You'll have enough time for that later. Enjoy how untied-down you are. Travel a lot. Study hard. Love hard.

In regards to the boys that will come knocking at your door as you get older, remember what your grandmother always told you.

You are a deep well of a person. Don't settle for nice eyes and shallowness. The depth in you will swallow his kiddie pool and it will leave you feeling unsatisfied.

Someone will come along one day and you'll quickly understand why it worked with no one else. Don't beat yourself up because all of your friends are in relationships and you're not. It'll happen for you and it will be so worth the wait.

What about heartbreak, right? When it hits, and it will hit, feel it deeply. Don't supress it or act like it isn't there for the convience of others. This is part of life and even in its agony, it is beautiful. It means you live from a deep part of your heart and not everyone can say that. (But also know that if a guy broke your heart, he doesn't deserve you at all.) But grief can be beautiful if you let it be.

Take a minute to enjoy where you are in your life right now. Soak in how it feels. This is a very exciting time. Everyone keeps saying how "adulting" is hard and a part of that is true. But along with the growing responsibilites you will accumulate, you will also reap the benefit of being an adult. All the freedom and adventure is truly a greater joy than stressing over being an adult. It's not hard. Be smart and use your time and resources smartly and you'll crush it.

You have the power to be the light in the world that seems so dark and heavy. Take advantage of that and be bright in this world. You can and will change the world. Welcome to the most exciting time of your life. Breathe it in and do everything your heart desires. Encourage your fellow girlfriends. You guys are world changers and you're a team. Promise me you'll create things and be innovators of hope. You're strong and beautiful and you're ready.

Love,

Older you