Dear almost-22-year-old me,

I know you're lost. I know that graduating college threw a wrench in your thoughts, feelings, and plans instead of being an exciting and fresh start. I know that life feels a lot like an emotional roller coaster right now, but the ride got stuck upside down on a loop and you're valiantly battling the projectile vomit that has been building up since the minute you crossed that stage. I know that you're absolutely terrified of your next step because the fear of the unknown is very real. I know that as a planner, all the uncertainty in your life is causing you a lot of grief.

I know all this because I am the grownup version of you, and I'm writing to you to tell you that you can do this.

This has happened before. There was a time in your life before this moment that you were unsure, have you forgotten about that? There was a moment when you weren't quite certain if you picked the right college, or when you went on a date with the wrong guy before finding your match. There was a big moment when your two best friends graduated, and you needed to move on and enjoy your senior year without them by your side. You did it. You did all of those things on your own.

You are exactly where you need to be right this moment. You are an arrow being pulled back only to launch you into becoming, well, me. And I is pretty damn proud of you.

Don't forget that I am the woman I am today because you fought for this. You've battled long and hard to get where you wanted to be. You have grown into all of the things I've always wanted to become, and did. Give yourself some credit.

This is not the end. Life is just beginning.

Listen to your friends and your family. Take deep breaths. Know that nothing is set in stone, and you have the power to change your mind. You don't have to know everything right now, as much as you want to, as much as your planning heart needs that. Don't forget that you are beautiful and kind, and your passion, drive, and smile will take you far. Remember that there is a reason for every situation you encounter, every person you meet, and every place you go. These reasons are what got me here today, and if they didn't make me happy at the time, then they sure as hell made me resilient and strong.

I hope you admire me as much as I admire you, and I hope you won't forget to admire and love yourself a little more during this crazy time as well. You deserve that more than anything. Remember, it gets better. Always has, always will.