Dear Future Self,
I don't know where you are or what you're doing but take a minute to sit down and read this to yourself. If nothing but to remind you of where you came from and what you've always wanted to do. Because every now and then we need a little reminding of the people we used to be and the people we've become. So here's a little advice, from little old past you.
Don't let anyone sway you from doing what you love. It's happened before and it will probably happen again. If you decide that helping people is what you love to do, don't let anyone tell you "there's no money in that, you're better off a lawyer." You've spent 21 years so far, doing your own thing. Don't let us down as you get older.
Money is not the be all, end all. You can be happy and not be a millionaire. It's possible. Maybe you want to live in a huge mansion someday and have everything done for you (let's be honest, you would never let anyone do everything for you), but don't let money be your motive. Follow your heart and the decisions you've made for yourself.
If you love someone, let them know. It takes a lot to break you out of your shell but you're older now. It's time to stop letting the people who hurt you in the past, ruin your future. You can't get married if you're not willing to scream from the rooftops that you love someone, well, maybe not the rooftops but I hope you get the point.
Stay in touch with your friends. Especially the ones you've had since you were a kid. Friends are hard to come by and you're probably too busy trying to be successful to make new ones. So cherish the ones that you have. Life isn't always going to be easy and you'll need a shoulder to cry on (that isn't your own) from time to time.
Lead by example. You have much younger siblings that are still growing up. Help your parents out and guide them to the right choices because, let's face it, they are your siblings and if they're anything like you, they will do the exact opposite of what you tell them to, just to prove a point. Teach them that not everyone has their best interests in mind but that it shouldn't stop them from putting their best foot forward anyway.
Lastly, take care of yourself. Don't stress too much over the things you can't change or the people that just don't make the effort to be in your life. Let go of the negativity that followed you around when you were younger because it's only going to make moving on and growing up that much harder to do. Love yourself and trust your instincts. Regardless of the lies that anyone fed you, you are the only person who knows yourself and your feelings the best. Don't disregard your own feelings just to spare someone else's (within reason, no need to be mean to people).
I hope this finds you well someday, while you're sitting in your book nook, reading your latest great literary find and drinking an iced coffee.
Sincerely,
Past You.
