Dear younger me,
It may seem hard to fathom, but you’re going to come so far from where you are now. I promise you that everything that seems big to you will be quite small in the future. You’re headed for something much brighter than what you’re going through right now, so hang in there.
In the future, you’ll be able to believe the compliments you’re given. You’ll appreciate the color of your hair and the way you look. You’ll realize the actions of others are not a reflection of who you are.
You’ve got plans now, but don’t be scared when they change. Sometimes the fact that you can’t plan every last detail of your future is what makes it exciting, and spontaneous. Don’t think too hard or too much. Sometimes you just have to “wing it” and doing so will be a lot more fun and will also teach you something important.
In due time, you’re going to have the adventures of a lifetime. Sometimes these adventures are little moments where your friends make you laugh so hard your stomach hurts. Nonetheless, those little moments turn out to be the most important, and you’ll look back on them and wish you could pause time. You’ll have really big adventures too - the kind that will change the way you look at the world. So slow down and take that deep breath. Look around you and you’ll see the people you love and that love you. They’re your lifelines, and they’ll carry you through what you’ll believe to be the worst days of your life. They love you more than you’ll ever know. Talk to them and tell them how you feel.
Know the importance in slowing down. Appreciate the moment you are in when it is happening. Don’t think too much about the future or what has already happened. Don’t waste your time worrying about the past or planning what is up ahead. The beauty of living in the moment is that all you have to do is be.
All of the sudden, the hard work you put into school will pay off and you’ll be accepted to the college of your dreams. Know that those late nights studying and reading were all worth it. Every time you pushed yourself to do better, you did. It’s OK not to ace every exam and to spend endless hours in the tutoring center. These times will show you a lot more about persistence and what it feels like to work harder than you thought you could. The point is that you’ll figure out what you want, and redefine what trying means.
From time to time, there will be people who test you, who hurt you, and who will lie to you. Know that they come into your life for a reason, so although it may seem hard, treasure their existence in your life. They are meant to teach you something; search for what that may be. Don’t hold grudges when they wrong you because holding on will keep you back. Also, be able to recognize when it’s your turn to apologize because this may be even more important. Luckily, there will also be the people who won’t ever leave your side. They’ll believe in you more than you do yourself and will push you to be a better version of you. Don’t take them for granted.
Above all, know that you are worth it. Every dark part of your life is nothing more than a lesson. You are stronger than you think and given time you will prove that to yourself. Your Dad’s jokes and Mom’s hugs will be enough to heal every wound you’ll ever feel and their love for you and you for them will carry you through. Other times you will show yourself that you can walk alone, and that’s a pretty good feeling.
Good luck! It’s going to be a crazy ride,
Future you
