Dear younger self,

I wish I could tell you that now that I’m older, I’ve come to know all the answers. In truth, there is so much I still don't know. I cannot give you answers, but maybe some advice.

Remember to be kind. Be kinder to your brother. Let him speak up more, and listen to him when he does. Be kinder to your mother. She is doing the best she can. It may take time, but you will come to realize that there is no greater person to have on your side. Be kinder to those around you. People come and go and memories will fade, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

Let people in. Allow them to show you their whole heart and in turn show them yours. Be vulnerable and unguarded with the people that matter. Some people will break your trust but your heart is too big for the world to not know its depth. You may push people away in order to protect yourself, but know that the ones that count will stay through the hard times. Learn to forgive others and learn to forgive yourself, but own up to your faults. People make mistakes and sometimes all it takes is time and the willingness to be better.

Believe me when I say you are far more than what has broken you. Sometimes life will be challenging and you may not know how to continue, but you will. You will learn to be tough, you will learn to be ready, and you will learn to survive. Allow the messes to come, just know that it will take time to clean them up.

Don’t forget to break the rules once in a while. Make yourself uncomfortable. Do what makes you scared. Go to that party. Try something new. Speak up. I promise it will not be as bad as you think- and you may even have fun. Some of the best moments will happen when you allow yourself to be afraid and not let anything stop you.

Find allegiance with your body. Your body is not something to fight. Feed it good food and treat it well. Taking care of yourself first is not a bad thing. Accepting your body and your space is not a bad thing. Your importance comes from far greater things than your appearance so please treat yourself kinder.

Stay brave little one.

Love,

Your older self