Dear Future Self,

Whatever you are doing right now, go outside and get some fresh air. Maybe call your parents, spouse, children. etc. Take a moment to take some "you time." No this isn't being selfish, this is just allowing you to focus on you, even for 30 minutes. And no. Do not feel guilty about taking some time just for yourself.

The year 2016 was an emotional rollercoaster for you, and that's an understatement really. But guess what? 2016 made you grow as a person. You became stronger, independent, and found your true self (for the most part). Of course, when you wrote this you were only 20 years old but by the time 2016 reached its end, you felt as if you were 40 years old and have already been through so much crap. Well, you were both right and wrong. Even we times are tough and you feel like there is no hope, think back to the year 2016, that you made you tougher than anything. However, there were some good times too. And you don't want to forget those moments either.

Now I have some questions for you, you have lived in North Carolina for 18 years but you always wanted to move to the beach or mountains. Did you? Are you still eating ice cream? Good, I knew it. How many dogs (or animals) do you have? Hopefully about four. Now you have always wanted to pursue a career in cardiac surgery. Did you end up doing that? Or did you choose a totally different career path? Oh please do tell me you ended up marrying your high school sweetheart? You always wanted two or three kids, did you have children? However, please do note that whatever decision you made, it was the right one. You are here right now. and you are exactly where you need to be.

Right now, I know your life is at one giant crossroad. It's all exciting, frustrating, and temporary. It is okay, you are going to make it through this, just like you always do. But this time, please do not shut out friends and family. They will be able to help you. I do hope you have figured out some other things by now. But I do also hope you still have some questions and will always keep asking them.

A few things to remember: You learned how to honor and love your body. You learned to love yourself regardless of what others have said about you. You don't settle for the easy way, you figure out what's best for you. Life is too short. And remember that this current version of yourself loves ... And that is never going to change.

Well, I hope you take this letter to heart and continue writing to me, your future self. It is so nice to hear from you.

Remember to always keep your head up and keep going.

-Xo