Dear 14-Year-Old Self,

I know you seem to think that you have it all together, but you don't. Not even a little bit. The next several years of your life are going to be the hardest and most confusing of your life. It's going to feel like you are spiraling out of control but hold on to anything that looks sturdy enough to hold your weight. Although I don't regret any of the decisions that I have made it life, I just thought I would give you some pointers because at this point, you could use some help.

When you walk down those hallways of high school, take in every moment. The faces, the teachers, your friends, every bit of it. Because one day you won't have that anymore. Be nice to everyone you meet. Even if they are mean to you, be nice. Everyone likes a nice person. Don't let the hard things in your life make you bitter. Embrace everything that life throws at you.

Get out of your comfort zone and play a sport. We both know you are not athletic but go out there and join a sport and have fun with your friends. The worse you could do is ride the bench all season. Also, you need to stop straightening your hair every day, you're killing it. And please stick with your natural hair color. You're going to regret it when you have to bleach your hair to get back to your natural color. Also, please lay off the eyeliner, you look ridiculous.

Don't settle for anything less than you deserve. Stand up for yourself when you think you deserve better or don't think something is right. Always listen to mom and dad. They seem like a buzz kill sometimes, but they do actually know what is best for you and will be one of your greatest support systems. Never take them for granted because you seriously have the greatest parents on this Earth.

Boys. You about to enter the greatest relationship of your entire life so don't do anything stupid. The road may be a rocky one but I promise you this is the one we have been praying about. He is everything you have ever wanted and more. So enjoy the time you have with him. Play with your pets. You are currently taking them for granted because, to be honest, they won't be around forever. Get on the floor and play with them, snuggle them and give them lots of treats.

Make sure that you pay attention in school and discover good studying habits because college is nothing like high school and it won't come as easy to you as high school did. Save your money. Make sure you eat healthy, because when high school ends your metabolism will slow down and you won't fit into any of your clothes anymore. Always know that no matter what happens that you will always be good enough. I know sometimes life seems to just be one punch after the other but you are so worthy of great things. As long as you put your mind to it, you can achieve it.

Love,

Your 21-year-old self