If I could write a letter to my younger self, I would tell her...

1. Stop sweating the small stuff. Will this matter in five years? Will it matter in two? Odds are it won't. Fretting over it now will not make it go away and it will not change what happened. Let go what you can and keep only what is good for you.

2. Use everything in your power to remain true to yourself. Don't let the world tell you who you have to be. Be unique. Be bold. Be all you can be and more, but make sure the person you mold yourself into is 100% you and not somebody else.

3. Don't be afraid to try new things. Every negative outcome you can think of may or may not come true, but don't let that gamble stop you from doing it anyways.

4. It's okay to be sad sometimes. It's okay not to have a reason why. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to be alone, be alone. But don't be alone too long because the company of those you love is exactly what you need.

5. Take good care of yourself. It's easy to let go of it all from time to time, but make sure you keep your mental and physical health in the best condition you can.

6. Stop pushing everyone away. You are surrounded by a sea of people who love you to pieces and would do anything for you. Don't ignore that. If they offer their help, let them help you. You're hurting them as well as yourself by not letting them in.

7. Keep your heart safe. Don't settle for anyone. Only give your heart away to those you believe would be worth the risk.

8. Happiness is a condition, not a destination. Let yourself be happy. There is joy all around you if only you would let it in.