Hello there,

You might not recognize me without the braces and belly-button length hair, but it’s me or rather- you. I’m happy to see you smiling and I want you to know that you can always be that happy.

People appreciate the happiness you supply. Others many not appreciate your loud voice, screeching singing or overly friendly personality, so forget about them. Keep screaming, singing and getting to know anyone you possibly can.

I want to let you know now, you’re not going to change. And, that's perfectly fine because you’re the Shayla you want to be.

In terms of your friends, you’ll keep the golden ones. You’ll figure out the ones that care about you through thick and thin. I can’t tell you what happens because then you won’t learn life's valuable lessons. I can warn you, however, that it’s going to be hard. It’s tough to lose people you spent hours and months around, but much more amazing people are going to come into your life.

Please don’t wish away the days because even on the worst day you'll know that the sun will rise again. It’s going to be humorous looking back at the moments that made you cry the hardest because you’ll have moved on from those situations and gotten caught up in new fiascoes.

Appreciate the life you’re making for yourself. Write things down because it’s the best to look back on the little things that made you happiest.

I’m so proud of you for staying true to the person you are. You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself, and you’re living the life you want. Always remember that your family will never stop loving you, and you can never stop appreciating them.

Keep chasing boys in the backyard and having mud fights in the pond. It won’t be long before you’ll be away from home and miss the spots you spent most of your time. Explore the trails in the woods and write poems you’ll get to make fun of later. Don’t lose connections with the teachers you cherish.

You’re going to make a lot of mistakes, but you won’t regret the lessons you learn. Don’t be afraid to be fearless.

Staying up late doesn't ruin you. Laughing to tears only hurts your stomach. Running can be painful, but it takes your worries away and it will always be a thing you love. Being mad takes you nowhere. Ignoring those you want to talk to only makes things harder. Falling for a boy you shouldn’t is necessary. Shopping is an addiction you won’t break. Putting down your phone is easy. Being you is irreplaceable.

Shayla, you will go so far if you understand that the plan for you has already been set and all you have to do is live. The only true advice I have is to stop worrying, but I can’t even follow that. So tell yourself you’re going to die if you keep worrying. Then, worry about dying from worrying! It’s a great plan!

Keep loving yourself,

You & Me