Dear Future Self,
This is a reminder you are not superwoman. You are only human. It is impossible to actually do it all.
Sometimes it is hard to remember that you are human. You are only one single person with only so many capabilities. You literally can't carry more than my hands can hold, so why do you try and take on more than your head can handle? It is easy to start taking on more than you can manage, but it is hard to learn to say "no" but we are slowly learning.
You need to constantly remind yourself that you cannot be there for everyone all the time. It is not your job to be your friends' mom. You need to take care of yourself before you start worrying about everyone else. Being as you are the classic "mom" for your friends, it is hard for you to prioritize yourself when you are constantly worried about everyone all the time. You need to learn to take time for yourself and just be alone with your own thoughts.
When someone asks for a favor and you don't have the time or resources, you need to say no. You cannot continue to be a people pleaser. You have a backbone. Use it. You need to be mature and realize that saying no is not a bad thing. There is no need to feel guilty about prioritizing your own needs.
School can be challenging but that is okay. It is meant to broaden your educational horizons. You cannot let yourself get down when you don't make perfect A's in all of your classes all the time. That. Is. Impossible. You have different strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Play to your strengths and work around your weaknesses. Put in the work to make yourself stronger in all aspects.
One of the most important things to remember is that you are allowed to not always look put together. If some random person in the lobby sees you crying out your frustration, give them a smile and keep sobbing. If that is cathartic, go for it. There is no need to always look like nothing is wrong. You can have problems too.
Most importantly, live your life for you. Don't live your life for your parents. Don't live it for your significant other. Live how you want to live. It is hard to not let others try and dictate your life, but it is important that you love your life the way it is. You should make changes when you're unhappy, but only for your happiness, not another's.
Of course, I am living in the present, and saying all of this is easier than actually doing it, but it is important to remember and record now what I need to do in the future. Maybe one day in a few years, I will look back and recognize when I need these reminders the most.
Stay smart and make good decisions,
Your Former (and Awesome) Self
