I want you to take a minute to think of yourself this time last year, five years ago, or 11 years ago. Now, think of yourself in the present. Are you at a place you expected to be? Yes? Not quite? That’s okay, because nonetheless, you’re somewhere.

Dear Past Me,

Thank you for all the decisions, good and bad, that led you to this point. Thank you for all the lessons learned. Thank you for powering through the struggles that were meant to stop you in your tracks. Thank you for the successes, so far, that will help my present and future self grow into an even better person. Thank you for the failures, especially, that have helped shape me into who I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t know any better. Thank you for learning how to be your own person and for finding your own voice. For knowing that it’s alright to be different. For realizing the true people that have appeared in your life, and for knowing when to let go of anything that made you unhappy. Thank you for coming to terms that it’s okay to take your time. For knowing to not be afraid to close a chapter of your life and start a new one. Thank you for making the mistakes you did, and learning how to pick up the pieces afterwards. For knowing your limits, for standing up for yourself. Thank you for knowing when to restrain yourself from a situation that made you feel uncomfortable, even when it didn’t make you the “coolest” or most popular person. For the times spent with the people who mean the most to you, who you'll continue to spend your journey with. For the memories that will live with you for the rest of your life. For appreciating the little things. Thank you for the constant reminders that everything will be okay in the end. For staying true to yourself. Thank you for knowing that it isn’t all about the “happy ending”--it’s also about the story in between.

Sincerely,

Present Me

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