We all have those moments when we realize the kind of person we were like when we were younger. We think, “Was I really like that in middle school?” or “Was that really how I thought about life?” We begin to go through stages of our life and as we change and become a mature adult, we look back on the things we used to think and realize how much our opinions, especially on little things, change. I would like to take a moment to reflect on all the things that I found so important just a couple years ago and all the things I didn’t know was going to happen.

Dear Younger Me,

I know right now you are worried about your friends liking you and fitting in, but it doesn’t matter. Don’t worry, you are going to gain your best friend out of all of this drama. And there are even more friends that await you in high school. Be nicer to your mom because one day you will be in college and you will miss her more than you ever thought you could. Take Jen on all the walks you can because she isn’t going to be around forever and she deserves it. High school is not as important as everyone says it is. You’re going to have a blast, but don’t stress over little things. The friends you make your freshman year may not be the friends you take graduation pictures with. Your brothers might ignore you now, but give it a couple years and they will be your best friends and your biggest supporters. Take a deep breath when you start to get freaked out. The friends you come out of high school with are going to be there for you, but don’t forget to make an effort to keep in touch. Don’t stress over boys, there will be plenty in college (still trying to figure the whole boy thing out myself, I’ll let you know when I get it down). The breakup you had will soon be a distant memory and won’t hurt forever. Don’t get too freaked out about what life throws at you because the support system you have is enough to get you through everything. Focus on making yourself a better person rather than putting others down. Find a guy who loves Christ and loves you for who you truly are. Build others up. Tell your friends how beautiful they are. Love the people you are with in the moment. Take in everything around you. Do not take anyone for granted. Church is more important than you think. You are exactly where you need to be. Make time for God. He is the only one that knows your future. Put your trust in Him and you will never go wrong.

You are going to be okay.

Love,

Your Future