To My High School Self,

I suppose this letter is coming late (considering you are now a senior in college at the ripe old age of 23, but bear with me, here.) I just wanted to let you know a few things because I know how hard high school was for you. I know how hard you had to work just to get through the day. I know the bullies really got to you. But it gets better. It gets way better.

Remember those bullies who picked on you relentlessly from ninth grade until 12th grade? Well, you really should not worry about them. I know that is way easier said than done, trust me I know. But you really just need to sweep them under the rug. They were just silly high schoolers who diddn't know how their words affected you. Do not let them get to you. Eventually high school ends and life begins. Life is too short to worry about what that boy said to you. You are strong, brave, and wonderful.

Friends come and go and I know that is a hard concept to grasp, but it is true. You may not be friends with those girls in a few years, heck you may not even be friends in a few months. Just know that is not a reflection of your self-worth. Just because you grow apart and change does not mean you are annoying and unloved. You are so loved and not annoying. You will grow and change throughout life and make new friends. So what if those girls you called best friends talked about you behind your back? It’s going to be OK and you’re going to adapt, find new friends, and learn who are your true friends. Yes, it is painful, but change is never easy. Just breathe, it is going to be okay.

You are beautiful. You may not feel that way because you’re the “ugly overweight girl” everyone loves to “hate,” but trust me, you are beautiful. You are only in high school. You are a work in progress. Everyone has their own insecurities, don’t let them rule you. You will learn to love yourself for your flaws and everything. Your flaws make you the beautiful woman that you are today. Don’t compare yourself to any of those girls that you see every day. They may be beautiful, but remember that they have their own insecurities as well. You do not know what demons they are battling in their own mind. Just breathe, relax, and love yourself.

Do well in school. Aim for A’s, but do not beat yourself up when you get a bad grade. When you feel like you could do better, do better! Don’t give up and throw in the towel so quickly. You are capable of so much more than what you think you are. You are your own competition, just be better than you were yesterday.

Remember, self-care is important. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or just overwhelmed, remember to take care of yourself first. Honestly, if you take anything away from this letter, it is just that. Take of yourself. You need to love yourself enough to know when you need a break. Yes, I said don’t procrastinate, but if you are in the middle of an overwhelming and anxious state, take care of yourself first.

I hope you know how loved you are. I know I haven’t loved you enough and I know I haven’t taken care of you enough, but I am also a work in progress. We can only move forward and try to be better than you were yesterday. So be patience, have hope, stay faithful, and love yourself.

With love.