Dear Me,
I know you think growing up is difficult but, spoiler alert, you survived. I know it's hard right now, you have a lot of game changing decisions to make, but here is some advice that may make this whole adulting process way easier:
Practice reckless optimism.
This idea that it's cool and hip to hope for the best and try your hardest even when the odds are against you. There are a lot of things to feel negative about and you have to allow yourself to process that negativity and then choose optimism over negativity. I know it sounds super cliché, but it will help you get through some of the toughest challenges of your life and having lived by both optimism and pessimism. I can tell you, one path feels way better than the other.
You have to give yourself your best chance.
I know you don’t want to hear this, but there are going to be times where the only thing that is stopping you from getting what you want is you. I know how much you say you hate change, but the truth is, you don’t really hate change. You understand that change is inevitable. You do however, hate the fear of the unknown. Follow your fear. Some of your proudest moments are found only after you decided to act boldly and follow your fears. It is worth it in the end, I promise. We all deserve our best chance, so please give us yours.
It's okay to not be okay.
Whatever situation you find yourself in, just know that it will pass. There will be weeks that you don’t feel like getting up and you will lack all motivation. There will be those sleepless nights where you begin to question everything you’ve ever done. Anxiety does not define you, but there will be times where you panic and you are too inconsolable, and you will blame no one but yourself. Those are the times that will make you stronger.
Remember who stays.
The support system you create will help you tremendously. You will be amazed by some of the people who stay in your life and even more surprised by the people who leave. Remember that each person has something different to offer, so appreciate everyone. You never know who will be there when things get difficult.
Keep creating, keep inspiring and keep dreaming.
Remember how we used to have that dream that one day we would grow up to be a Disney princess? Well, the truth is, not much has changed and that is still #goals (don’t worry, you’ll learn that reference when you’re older), but I want you to know that your dreams will get so much bigger. You realize that hanging out with like-minded people will inspire you to do so much more. Surround yourself with people who will do nothing but motivate you because they will help you unlock some of your greatest potential to create some really great things.
Be who you want to be, not what you feel pressured to be.
I know how concerned you are with trying to fit in, but let me be the first to tell you that fitting in isn’t as much fun as it sounds. Be unapologetically yourself, be someone who you would have looked up to as a kid. Being different is what created so many more opportunities for success. Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.
We don’t often take the time to appreciate how far we’ve come, but I would like to be the first to congratulate you on everything you accomplish. You worked hard for your success, so be proud of all you have done. This is just the beginning.
Love,
Me
