Dear little me,

I wish you knew how important a smile can be. It does not mean you have to hide whatever you are feeling inside especially on bad days, but it allows you to remember that a simple act of kindness can go a long way. And although you will go through countless struggles and bad days, you will realize that the most important people to spread your light on are those who find themselves in complete darkness.

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I wish you knew how desperately the world needs strong, independent women. I wish you knew how important it is to let your voice be heard, stand up for what you believe. Trust me, there is plenty of hatred in this world, but you need to know that the hateful words of others cannot wound you unless you let them. Learn how to fight hatred with a smile, which does not necessarily mean turning the other cheek and taking the negativity in. But rather, point that negativity outwards by proving other people wrong instead of wasting your time trying to fight ignorance.

I wish you knew that some people are not worth fighting for. Every person in your life serves a purpose, and sometimes that purpose may be temporary. But even if that is true, then each person teaches you a lesson that makes you into the person you are today. Bad friends and qualities of bad friends teach you what true friends are and may point you in the direction of where to find them. So instead of getting upset at lost connections or old friends, focus on the lessons and good memories that those people have given you and what their presence in your life has taught you in the long run.

I wish you knew that memories are more important than material objects. Although a DS Lite that you wanted for Christmas back in 2007 is obsolete, memories will last a lifetime. Never lose focus on what really matters: life's experiences--its ups, downs, and in-betweens. Those are way more important than a pair of AirPods, the newest Mac, nicest clothes, etc. Things are replaceable, memories are not.

I wish you knew that being nice does not mean people can step on you. Know that your kindness should not be mistaken as naive, you are strong. Do not let people take advantage of your kindness or manipulate you because of your ability to forgive so easily. You can be nice without being a doormat.

But most of all, I wish you knew how proud I am of you. Everything you have learned is because of your choices, and that has led you to the person you are today--the person writing this letter. As much as I would like to go back and wish I could teach you things from the future, I realized that experience is the best method to learning life. And so far, you have learned so much that it is worth commemorating.

So, congratulations, you've made it this far. Hopefully, I'll be back with more advice in five or ten years, but as for now, keep on learning.

Sincerely,

Me