To me,
It is about time that I laid out a new philosophy for you. Since I am approaching the start of the new semester, I need to start focusing on my schoolwork, and that means I’ll have less time to create a new routine for you every day of the week.
You are very adaptive and handle tough situations well. Given enough time, you can think your way out of any bad situation and emerge with your head held high. I’m worried, though, because you still sometimes get disorganized and sloppy to the point that you drive me up a wall. So, right now, I need to get you into the habit of making better choices. This means I need to have a serious conversation with you about what I’ll be expecting you to do once classes start.
First, I need you to be consistent. If you decide to join a club or go for a run, then you have to carry it out or drop out altogether. It’s a huge whiplash when you go from being excited about a new activity to feeling anxious about being able to go through with it. If you are having a hard time deciding on something, check your calendar to make sure you’ll have the time for it. Consider pros and cons. Also, be careful to never over-commit yourself, either physically or emotionally. You need some flex room to plan and breathe.
Second, you have to develop better habits. I get it. Sometimes you feel like you need a break from the rules. I think that everybody needs a small break and that it is healthy for people to get out of a normal routine. Your problem, however, is that you get easily wrapped up in one thing and promptly forget to do everything else, even important things like calling your mom or researching study abroad programs. Please realize that when it comes to your priorities, it is far better for you to stick to the script, and that you will feel better and be more productive if you follow a healthy routine.
Third, I want you to maintain contact with your friends this semester. Do you remember how last term the library became your best friend? I need you to come out from behind the bookshelves this fall to find some study buddies. For heaven’s sake, go get ice cream with your roommate (who puts up with way too much, by the way—you rock, girl!) or find a friend who will go for a long run with you. This semester, responsibility will mean keeping on top of a schedule and finding time for your friends. Both will help keep you sane!
Finally, you need to be more careful about how you present yourself to others. I’ve noticed that you have a tendency to undersell yourself, and it makes you seem nervous to other people who are trying to get to know you. If you follow through, then you might also start to feel more comfortable in your own skin which is exactly what I need and expect from you!
At the end of the day, I want you to be happy and be gentle with yourself after you fall down. Remember to go outside and feel the breeze on your ankles when you start to feel stressed. Also, remember that all of this madness is only a blip, and you are going to get through it. Acting responsibly, from now on, means being responsible for you and not for someone else. If you ever think you might be losing the battle to stress, open up this letter to remind yourself that you are on the right track.
Go for it, rock!
Sincerely,
You
