Dear My Younger Self,

I thought this letter was only appropriate to write now because you are going to be 19 years old very soon and it will officially be your last year as a “teen” before you enter your “thriving twenties." This letter will give me the opportunity to not only reflect on what has happened the past 18 years but give me the chance to say some unspoken words some people couldn’t say to me when I was in your place. Here are 10 things I wish someone would’ve told me.

1. Find your passions and interests

It’s going to be hard not to follow someone else's path when you see all the accomplishments they’ve achieved and how successful they are in their respected fields, but if your heart is not in it, it’s going to feel like a task or job. Remember you are YOU and not them. Find what ignites a fire in you and what feels like a dream when doing it.

2. Worry about yourself

You’re young and it’s almost inevitable to not get tangled or dragged into some petty and irrelevant drama. It’s also going to be hard not to give in when people gossip; but don’t feel like you have to “contribute,” because you don’t. Their problems are not yours, so don’t feel responsible for them.

3. Let go of negative people

I know it’s hard to avoid them especially because the school is so small, but don’t feel like you have to give into that small space and stick with them. It’s okay to let go of people or “friends” that stunt your own personal growth and make you feel unworthy of happiness. You’re going to be meeting so many amazing human beings that want you to thrive and have your back instead of going behind it.

4. Appreciate the little things

Life is a whirlwind of emotions, conversations, people, and experiences, and it’s incredibly difficult to not get lost in it. This life you’re living in is a precious and beautiful gift that should be treasured, so don’t forget to stop and appreciate your surroundings. Appreciate the coffee mom makes you in the morning. Appreciate the bonfires with your friends. Appreciate the cuddles the dogs give you. It’s the little things that matter at the end of the day.

5. Stop following trends you don’t like

Trust me, I get it. I completely understand that you don’t want to feel like an outsider watching, but don’t force yourself to get into trends that you don’t like or you’re not comfortable with. It’s not worth your time nor the money if you don’t even like what’s going on. You weren’t given this one life to follow others.

6. It’s okay not to be okay

You’re going to put on a front of “being fine” and “being happy” all the time, but you don’t have to 24/7– especially if you’re going through something serious or you feel lost. You’re a human being that has feelings, so you CAN be sad and upset. If that means you have to cry it out for an hour, do it. If that means you have to throw a few things, do it. You will eventually be fine, so don’t think you have to hold everything so perfectly together.

7. Give yourself some more credit

You are a hard worker and you strive for all the goals you have for yourself by putting your best foot forward, and sometimes the effort is what actually counts. Stop being so hard on yourself because you gave it your all; take what you can learn and apply those lessons to your next goal.

8. Stop caring what other people think

You weren’t born to please other people, so why live your life doing so? Not everyone is going to always agree with everything you believe in or passionately speak about, but continue to be outspoken. Not everyone is going to think you’re “cool,” but keep doing what you enjoy to do and be genuine because as long as you’re happy with yourself, that’s all that matters.

9. Go for it, don’t limit yourself

Fear can be one of the scariest things because it prevents you from actually grabbing certain opportunities that are out in the wide open waiting to be snatched. It also prevents you from learning about yourself and gaining new and worthy experiences. Don’t set restrictions on yourself for what you can’t do and live thinking you can, and you’ll be shocked at how quickly everything will change for the better.

10. You’re not alone

You have an amazing support system of family and friends who would go to great lengths to be there for you and pick you up. You don’t have to deal with your issues and frustrations by yourself all the time, and although you may think it would be burdensome to tell someone, they will be there to listen and help you get through it. You’re not a burden, so don’t think you are.

Although I wish someone would’ve told you all of this, a part of me is glad no one did because you learned everything by yourself through all the painful and happy times you’ve had. Continue to grow and put everything that’s thrown at you in perspective because although it may seem like you can’t handle it, you can–because you’re strong and resilient enough. So take it day by day and remember to keep getting up every time your thrown down. I look forward to see what’s ahead of your journey.