Dear Me,

There are many things I need to say to you, but first I want to tell you: I am proud of you. Through everything the world has thrown at you, you made it out, and you did it with grace. There are certain instances that could’ve been handled differently, but all in all, you did a pretty kick ass job during your teenage years.

Things happen.

I want you to remember that. Things will go badly, will not go as you plan, or will just plain suck. Each time does not get easier, but you need to know you are strong enough, and will always be strong enough to get through whatever life throws at you. Sometimes you will feel like your life is going to end, but pick your head up and get back out there, champ.

It’s OK to take a mental health day.

Everyone needs their time to take in bad experiences, including you. Take the day off of school (with mom’s permission of course), binge watch Grey’s Anatomy and cuddle with the puppies. I promise if you don’t do this you will run yourself into the ground and be even worse off later in the week. Do us both a favor and stay in bed occasionally.

You rock.

Do not let anyone dull your sparkle, and I mean anyone. There are lots of things to look forward to in the next 5 years that you will be proud of, as I am sitting here writing this to you. If you had let that one person’s opinion ruin your attitude, I wouldn’t have smile on my face proud of where I am today. I may not have a perfect life, but I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way.

Love is funny.

There will be boys coming in and out of your life from here on out and it’s okay. You will not find your soul mate at 15, and therefore you will go through your fair share of heartbreak. Simply, boys suck. Don’t put up with their crap and always love yourself first.

Don’t be a pushover.

You are still struggling with this even today. It’s not easy to tell someone ‘no’ when you really just want to help them out. But listen to me: the more you say ‘yes’ the more you will be walked on. Hold your ground.

Never give up on what you believe in.

No matter what happens in the next 5 years; you are going to make it out alive. The experiences you will go through will only make you who you are supposed to be. Don’t try to change the way the world works, just try to make your life the best possible thing you can. And when in doubt, smile. It really does make you feel better. Now get out there killer and go do great things.

Love always,

Your future self