Dear High School Me,

I wish you understood how different things really are going to be in your future. I know it seems like there’s no way to get through this and that you’re the only one dealing with it. No one really does understand what you’re going through, but I promise you will get through this. A point in your future will come when you'll understand just how important you really are. You’re still going to face plenty of those days where you struggle, but so many people are going to be by your side through it. Most importantly, a day is going to come when you have an opportunity to get yourself back on track. In the moment, that opportunity may be one of the hardest things to take up, but please take it. I know it feels like the last thing you want to do, but you’re going to grow so much because of it.
I need you to understand that just because what you’re dealing with started in high school, doesn’t mean that when you leave high school, you leave this too. It’s something you’re going to deal with for the rest of your life. It’s one of the hardest things you’ll have to admit to yourself, but when that time comes to do so, do it.
I know sometimes you question if the world would be better without you, and that’s why I really need you to take this opportunity to get yourself back on track. You have much more potential than you give yourself credit for, and other people are going to notice just how hard you work at everything. You’re still going to make mistakes, but you’ll learn from them. You’ll become a better person because of them.
Most importantly, open yourself up. I know you fear rejection, and that’s why you constantly shut yourself down. And some people are going to reject you, simply just for being you. But a lot of people are going to accept you for it. There will still be days you feel like shutting down and you can’t even manage to put into words how you feel. But you’ll experience a lot more days where you’re glad you took this path and showed everyone just how great you are
You are one of a kind, and that kind is one that the world needs to see.
You’ll learn to bring passion, love and understanding to nearly everything you choose to do. You’ll make friends that you wouldn’t if you continued to be the way you are now. You’ll meet people that will learn everything about you, even the things you don't want them to hear. Some of them will walk away from you, but a lot will be there to support you. So open yourself up and stop being so freaking doubtful of yourself. You’re going to touch so many hearts, and so many people are going to touch yours. The future for you is so bright if you would just understand your true capability. You’ll make a lot of people laugh with you, and love and miss you; and you’ll get to laugh them, and love and miss them as well. But you won’t be able to do any of this unless you listen to what I have to say. Open yourself up before it’s too late, because the world needs this one of a kind; and the only person that can bring this one of a kind to the world, is you.