If I could speak to my 17-year-old self, where would I even begin?

I think I would tell myself not to take life so seriously. At 17 years old, teenagers cannot really determine what "struggles" they're dealing with will actually be important in five years. Little did 17-year-old me know all of my high school struggles would soon be distant memories.

Heartbreak, friendships and family were difficult to deal with at 17, but I would remind myself that I am a strong woman who will have the most amazing life I could ever imagine. Having a family of my own makes me grateful that I was optimistic about my future toward the end of this dreadful year of being 17. I have always wanted my own family to be proud of and to thrive for.

As a teenager, I was dealing with the struggles of a past relationship and a new one, and I wasn't sure which would be the best choice for me. I would advise myself to choose wisely, because that decision would probably be the only teenage struggle that would determine what my future will look like. I would say that my decisions about life would determine who I will be in a few years, but all I can say is that my happiness is the most important factor in any decision-making process right now, and in the future. My entire life I have felt the need to please others and make decisions based on the happiness and approval of everyone else, which has caused me nothing but grief. I would say that it's time to think selfishly this one time because my happiness matters too.

Now, I've got a little girl who is going to look up to me, and in order for me to teach her true happiness and self worth, I have to live it. I would remind myself to never settle, because I am worth more than I can ever imagine. Nothing should ever feel like it's just good enough.