Dear Me,
Right now, it is about 3:30PM on a Wednesday afternoon and I have to admit that writing this letter might be the most productive thing I've done all day. Anyway, the cause for this letter is simple. I've been doing quite a bit of thinking and reflecting lately and I've realized that this is one of the best places I've found myself in in a long time. Life is full of issues and obstacles, so I know that this feeling definitely will not be permanent, so I wanted to capture it in words.
Right now, I am supported, loved and cared for more than I could have ever imagined. I have bonded with people in so many surprising ways, but I am so beyond grateful. At home, I have the same support system that I have always had in my family. They are my biggest cheerleaders, even when I may be too busy to Facetime or even call. I know that I can be incredibly ungrateful, but even when I am outwardly dismissive of their efforts, I still cherish them so deeply. Up and down the east coast, I have friends that I reunite with back home that I know are only a phone call away if I ever do need them. I don’t have to talk to them every day to know that they are there, that they wouldn’t come on a minute’s notice if I needed them. It’s happened. On campus, I have developed so many strong interpersonal relationships that I almost feel as though this is a dream. With each passing day, school feels more and more like a home rather than a campus. The girls I live with are no longer roommates, but an extension of my family.
Now, Me, I don't know when you will decide to read this letter again (if you ever do), but the above two paragraphs are just a reminder that you have so many good things in this world. The past has been filled with mountains to climb and battles to win. You definitely haven't won them all, but you fought your hardest and I am still so proud of you. You have used those feelings of defeat, anguish and heartache to fuel yourself rather than do more harm. They serve as motivation to be a better person and while you are certainly not perfect, you are doing your best. Past Me has taught Present Me how to stand tall and learn from the world around her. Rather than backing down, she will stand tall and speak up. She's no longer afraid to use her voice.
Future Me, I must admit that even though I have certainly improved from Past Me and I am incredibly happy with where Present Me stands, I am not perfect. There is always room for improvement. Future Me, please remember tocontinue to be humble and accepting of constructive criticism or suggestions, because I could always use them. Future Me, you are not always right. Yes, believe that you are intelligent and have a brilliant mind filled with some amazing ideas, but there is always more to learn. The world we live in holds so much and we have only hit the tip of the iceberg. Even fifty years from now, there will still be so much that I haven't learned.
Future Me, also please remember to cherish those around you. You have been blessed with a support system unlike any other throughout your life and you need to do your best to show them all that you love them. Future Me, please provide that same love and encouragement to those that you care for. At the moment, my empathy and my compassion are two of the traits that I am most proud of, so please, improve upon them. Make a difference in the worlds of everyone you love.
Mainly, Future Me, remember to put yourself first, not always but when needed. It's difficult, I know, but I hope that when you read this, you will have improved upon that. While you are spending time helping others, also help yourself. You are allowed to be happy and even to be a bit selfish. I know, the word "selfish" was always taboo in your vocabulary, but try it. You deserve it once in awhile.
Lastly, I want this letter to commemorate the fact that I am in a happy place in my life and that I want it to continue for as long as it possibly can. I am flawed, but I am happy to work towards fixing my mistakes and problems. So, Past, Present and Future Me, please realize that there is always more to learn and more to gain.
Love,
Me
