Well you have made it this far with a few bumps and bruises; however, it was these painful memories that taught you a few lessons along the way...

Life has not always been as easy as you had hoped but I think you have lived a pretty great life thus far. You are blessed with a beautiful, loving family and friends who appreciate you for your goofy self. There were times where you may not have always gotten along with everyone but you continue to accept yourself as not perfect. You recognized that your flaws do not make you any lesser of a person than anyone else. In fact, they make you, well, you.

There are times where you may not have made all the right decisions but there is no reason for you to live your life in regret, you have to learn from those mistakes. And do not worry if you make the same mistake over and over again as long as you are recognizing that what you are doing is wrong and you make a real effort to work on it. Ultimately, it is the positive things you bring to the world that makes you so special. Those aspects are what you must focus on because otherwise the negativity will bring you down and there is no reason not to appreciate your life.

In addition to learning from your mistakes and not letting them drown you in guilt, appreciate all that has been given to you. Reflect on the blessings God has given to you: your family, your friends, your health, your education, your home, your job, and who you are. Because no matter what people say to you, you are a good person and no one can take that away from you. So keep your head held high when people get you down, stay positive, and love yourself. One person's opinion of you does not make it fact, and no matter how hard you try to make everyone like you it will never be reality.

In order for someone else to love you, loving yourself is key. You have your faults that may drive you and everyone else crazy but you are a smart, caring, compassionate individual and you deserve to love yourself. It has taken a lot for you to get to where you are, a lot of hard work, motivation, pain, and support but you have come out a stronger person. No matter what happens in your life remember that there are people out there who have it a lot worse off than you so do not dwell on the past or the things you cannot control.

If there is anything I want to stick with you from your younger self, it is this. As life goes on remind yourself that...

1. You must walk with confidence everywhere you go. Because there is no one quite like you, you should be proud of who you are and own it.

2. You must love with your whole heart because it is the best feeling in the world and there needs to be more of it.

3. You must not let people trample all over you, you should stick up for yourself in a respectful way because you deserve the respect you give.

4. You do not know everything and it is okay sometimes to admit it. But also take the time to listen to those who have been taking this journey a little bit longer than you. They are wiser and more experienced.

5. You should not let relationships with people dictate what you do with your life. You must make yourself happy before you can make others happy.

6. And finally always be positive and keep smiling because one smile could brighten someone's day.

With your best interest in mind,

Your past self.