Dear Past Me,

You have so much to figure out. You’re shy, but you have a big personality. You're artistic, but can’t find a way to express it. You’re passionate, but haven’t found your voice yet. At times, it will all seem ridiculously confusing.

Keep persisting.

Life is hard. It always has and always will be. Scary and frustrating situations are going to be thrown at you and you will have to learn how to deal with it. As of right now, though, you don’t know how to deal with it. You think that it will be like this forever. It won’t.

You will learn so much from the things you’ll go through. Some of the most difficult times will become some of the most important and identity-forming experiences you may ever have. You will learn how to be strong, especially when you won’t have someone to be strong for you. You will learn how to spread love. You will learn that you are loved. So, so loved.

The relationships and friendships you have now may not last for as long as you thought they would. It’s okay. People come in and out of your life just as they are supposed to, and you will learn lessons from them, both good and bad. Release the toxicity from your life without resentment. They will always be a part of you and your identity formation; never regret that. Understand that sometimes people grow apart, even though you may not want them to. Sometimes, you will have to prioritize your personal growth and progress. That growth will invite new people into your life who are empowering and encourage you to be a better version of yourself.

Life is too short to be restricted by insecurity and resentment. These feelings are toxic and will only hinder your ability to move on. Instead of searching for reasons to hate the world, look for reasons to love it. Look for reasons to be moved by nature and the natural love people have for each other. The news is always going to be full of hatred and anger; try to understand that these are not the only emotions in the world, they are simply those which we choose to focus on. Adjust your focus.

Eventually, you will invite a relationship with God back into your life. It seems hard to imagine now, but you’ll find peace in His love and forgiveness. Let it happen. Knowing that He is there for you when you feel alone is the best gift you could ever receive.

I can’t wait for you to see the person you will be. Even in just the next few years, you will change more than you ever thought possible. You’ll gain so much confidence and understanding, even just from putting yourself out there a little more. The simplest changes will help you immensely; you’ll eventually start to become the happy, kind, wise person you were meant to be. It’s a long journey, but it’s one that is 100% worth it.

Trust that everything happens for a reason.

With Love,

Your Future Self