Dear 2018 Self,

You have made it another year.

2017 was a very rough time for you but it was also a time of growth and self-realization. You have made new friends that you hope you get to keep throughout 2018, as well as being able to mold some old friendships to make them even better. As you go on another year there are a few things that I want you to let go of me and a few things that I want you to keep in the upcoming year.

2017 has taught you to become braver and helped build your self-confidence. Continue that. You have made some friends that will be there for you and help you with your social growth but it ultimately comes down to you and your own personal self-esteem levels.

2017 has also taught you that you cannot plan everything for every second of every day. Sometimes you have to take chances and let the days go by when you do not know what is going to happen next. Life is supposed to be exciting and you’re young so take this opportunity to embrace it.

Many experiences and events had happened to you this, you no longer are a teen. You managed to try an internship in a field you enjoy. You decided to transfer schools in order to better yourself. You got to see your favorite band one last time before they split up and you were able to discover a new love for photography so now you can always capture the moments of your life and the lives of many others.

While 2017 managed to give you some things to cherish, there are somethings that should not be a burden for your future. Let go of the fact that you might have to stay in school a little longer.

College does not have to be four years, if you need to slow down or add more classes to help advance yourself, then do it. Your family and friends will always support you. For now, and just, for now, do not take everything so close to heart. You have a gentle heart and it can get hurt easily, so be aware of what is coming at you and determine if it is important to you are not.

For 2018, I believe that you are already set for what is to come. I do not know what God has in store for you, but I know that it is something amazing and wonderful. You turn 21, you witness your brother getting married, you start your senior year of college and you will be beginning to figure out what your role is out in the world. I know it can be frightening, but that is what we thought when we were about to enter 2017 back in 2016 and look what happen since then.

I believe in you and I hope this letter brings you comfort as to know that you are amazing and you are in for a wild ride.

Wish you all the best

2017 Self