Thirteen months ago, I received a book full of blank pages and envelopes for Christmas. The cool part of this book is I would be the one filling those pages and sealing those envelopes with letters to my future self.
December 30, 2014 I wrote myself a letter for my final semester of college to be opened December 30, 2015; however, I left it at school. The night before my last semester began, I found the letter. I smiled at the advice I'd given my future self. It was nice to know that I indeed did know myself because I wrote advice I knew I would need to hear at this point in time. As I reread, I knew I had to share. So here it is, folks...
Dear Second Semester Senior,
It's almost 2015 as you're writing this, and when you read this, it will be a year later. Remember how loved you are and how truly amazing life is.
"ENJOY IT. BECAUSE IT IS HAPPENING."
A year ago you promised to do that, and I hope you have kept that promise to yourself. Whether you have or haven't, this is a reminder to do so now, especially with one semester left.
Have a ton of fun. Keep promises to yourself and others. Be there for you friends when they need you, but don't forget to take care of yourself too. Don't you dare give up who you are or what you want to do because of other people's demands.
Work extremely hard in your classes and at your job. Remember that it's not too late to get involved on campus. Take time to relax and take it easy too.
Focus on the relationships you have with the people that you care about seeing after graduation. Avoid drama at all costs and be grateful for the positives in your life. You don't want to look back on your final months and realize you only focused on the negative.
"BE BRAVE."
Take risks. Don't be afraid to be honest and put your wants and needs first sometimes. Most importantly, be open to love wherever it may come from.
There are a lot of different types of love out there whether it's from friends, family members, roommates, romantic partners or community members. Be open to giving love to and receiving love from these different people.
But make sure you love yourself first though and remember that you are more than enough. You are worthy and deserving of love, happiness and peace.
Don't make the same mistakes you've made before. Instead of regretting your past, learn and grow from it. Don't be selfish. Don't have too high of expectations. Don't be harsh toward yourself. Don't push others away. Don't apologize for what is beyond your control.
Be honest with yourself when you're not okay. Don't avoid asking for help because you're afraid what others may think. Don't take people for granted. Don't let yourself be taken for granted either.
I hope you've grown in the past and that you continue to do so everyday while having fun. I hope you've succeeded in different areas of your life, but I also hope you failed at some of them too. It's okay you're not perfect. In fact, it's perfect that you're not perfect.
I hope you learned that life will not always go according to plan, but that's not always a bad thing. Without closed doors, you wouldn't know how wonderful it feels to walk through an open one.
Believe in yourself. You are beautiful, amazing, intelligent, kindhearted, passionate, determined and talented. You're almost done with what's been an amazing part of your life, so continue to make the most of it.
Create adventures that will be the stories you tell at your 10-year reunion. Nourish the relationships you have with the people who will be in your wedding. Excel at your passion that you're transforming into your career.
Right now, I know you're overwhelmed. The uncertainty of the mysterious future that is ahead is daunting, but remember this:
"I don't know where I'm going, but I know it's gonna be a long time. I want to make the best of what is left, hold tight, and hear my beating heart one last time." -Ellie Goulding
Your journey doesn't end here, you have a long road ahead, and it's okay to not have it all figured out. If there's anything you want to do before graduation, just do it. Your life doesn't start after you receive a diploma, you're living it right now and you've been living it for 22 years.
Listen to that strong pulse that is constantly fueling your journey, and follow whatever path you want during this final college semester. Make the best of every moment, and make sure that when this chapter comes to a close, it's your heartbeat behind the stories and memories, not anyone else's.
Love,
The Younger You
