To my former self,
I know you’ve struggled through a lot, you’re growing up and trying to figure out who you are. It’s a natural part of life. There are so many things I want to tell you. Things that will make life so much better for you. The first thing I need to tell you is that everything is going to be okay. You’re going to make it to college, you’re going to overcome the things that have brought you down and you will make friends, lots of them. You will accomplish so much in such a short time, and I am so unbelievably proud of you. I also need you to know that sometimes you will fail, more than you would like to admit. Just know, that it’s okay. You will grow so much as a person because of it.
Secondly, don’t let yourself be overcome by others' negativity. You are a bright and beautiful person, and you cannot let anyone dull your shine by being negative. You deserve better than being surrounded by negativity. Don’t allow yourself to hang around with people who only want to bring others down, because those who talk about others will talk about you. Talking about other people says more about you than it will ever say about the people you’re gossiping about.
I know that you feel like it’s your duty to do everything everyone asks of you, but you aren’t superwoman. You can’t be everything for everyone all the time. You’ve tried, over and over again. But every time it breaks you down more and more. It’s okay to be selfish sometimes, and choose your mental health over the unnecessary wants of others. That doesn’t mean I want you stop being so passionate about people. I want you to live and love, large and loud, as I know you were born to do. Just make sure that taking care of yourself doesn’t become your last priority.
Don’t be afraid to try things that you never thought you would like. Join a sorority, be involved in student government, go out and do all the things you can. You have a limited amount of time to make the biggest impact you can. You’re never going to regret being too involved. That also goes alongside with giving people you never thought you would like a chance--those people may become your best friends.
Stay up and hang out with your friends. You’re not going to remember in five years that time you were awake and alert in your eight a.m. class. You are, however, going to remember the time you stayed up all night making memories with your best friends. The time you went on a late night adventure going to new places and exploring everything this town has to offer. Those are the things you’re going to remember.
A little self-confidence goes a long way. Don’t forget to believe in yourself. You’re going to go so far and transform into a totally new person. I’m sitting here knowing all the wonderful things that are to come for you. You’re going to become the person you’ve always wanted to be: strong, independent and loved. Never stop being who you are.
Love, your future self.
