At this stage in my life my generation is bombarded with social media, new technology, new ways of learning, new ways of living and so on. We constantly see what other people are doing and sometimes more. We still face peer pressure and make not-so-good decisions, and sometimes we are doing great things for ourselves and the world. In the future when I need something to lift me up or to help lift someone else up I hope I can re-read this letter and know everything is going to be just fine.
So, here's an open letter to my future self:
Dear Future Self,
I hope that college was everything you expected and did not expect. You'll be thankful. Why you ask? Because when you expect it, you kind of already prepared yourself for it. When you face something you didn't expect, I hope you got through it gracefully, but I know that won't always be the case. I hope you went to your Bible every now and again and prayed a lot, because God is the only one that will help you when you need it most.
Study Aboard because you are going to regret it if you don't because you already made the Pinterest board, and you don't want to have to look at it the rest of your life asking, "What if?" Go to grad school because you also have a Pinterest board for that too, and you need a new place to experience for a little while.
I hope you can keep some friends from college so you can get together with them and have your own tailgate at your alma mater. Even though you felt like you were trapped inside a 30-year-old woman's body because you came home from work and watched "Fixer Upper" on HGTV, you ended up not missing too much when everyone else went out.
I hope you take care of your body and see it as a temple. Working out and eating healthy is important, but when you are having a bad day, it's okay to get the Chick-Fil-A. Think about your body, but do not become obsessed with it and convince yourself you aren't good enough for any man. I tell you what, if he was a real man he would love you no matter what you looked like. He would see your heart and beautiful smile and be thankful he has you. When you get to the age where all of your friends are getting married and you are now the girl with the 27 dresses, don't be envious and impatient. God is just saying it's not your time, and you will have your time someday on His plan. When you do finally get proposed to, don't have expectations, just nicely ask him if he proposes to you to not do it in a zoo.
I hope this guy is similar to your daddy and has the scruff just like you wanted. I hope he's handy and can cook well, because Lord knows, you can't fix a flat tire and the best thing you can cook is spaghetti. If he enjoys watching college sports (which he should because that's probably the first thing you asked him on your first date), I hope that he at least likes the SEC.
When you have your first child, let your parents spoil the baby. You'll want your children to have close relationships with their grandparents, because when you've had enough for the week, you can send them to their mawmaw's house. You'll want this for all your children. Don't have too many, though. Even though everyone is a blessing, college is expensive and so is life in general.
Through all the good times and people you meet, be sure to spread love and happiness. You'll have your bad days, but keep your head up. Visit your parents and your childhood home, because just like Dorthy said, "There's no place like home." Save your money, but enjoy life because you only live once (yeah, that was your generation that came up with the saying YOLO). Live in the moment every day, and don't settle for less than you deserve, but don't become entitled.
You're going to do great things in this world, and I promise you'll be happy with the outcome. Always keep this Bible verse close to your heart because you'll need it, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25
Love,
Yourself
