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Dear 17-Year-Old Me, Trust The Plan

Looking back, here are some things I wish I had realized when I was, in the words of ABBA, "young and sweet, only 17".

Abby Sweeney

Apr 30, 2019

East Carolina University

145

Abby Sweeney

Dear 17 year old me,

This is 18-year-old you writing this. I know it has only been a year, but so much has changed. Everything is different now, and while it seems hard sometimes, everything is changing for the better. Looking back, here are some things I wish I had realized when I was, in the words of ABBA, "young and sweet, only 17".

1. The few bad races you had during track season senior year? Don't let them get to you so much. It's all just for fun, and at least you are running. Stop getting so worked up over something so small in the long run.

https://unsplash.com/photos/HSXv_s2gH3U

2. The boy you're worried about? Stop worrying about him, or anything he does. You don't need him to be happy.

https://unsplash.com/photos/E8H76nY1v6Q

3. Loosen up! Enjoy your last year of high school just a little bit more.

https://unsplash.com/photos/O0T1SIgHAfM

4. Some people you thought you were friends with, you only were friends with them because you saw them every day. It really shows you who your real friends are, and opens your eyes up. Sometimes people only talked to you because you were there and saw them every day.

https://unsplash.com/photos/mmuMa7VXL1Y

5. Never go to bed angry. Try to work out your problems, whether they're with others or just in your head.

https://unsplash.com/photos/CwIU33KGToc

6. Treasure every moment. You never know what could happen. Life comes at you so fast, and you never know how quickly some thing could change.

https://unsplash.com/photos/nF8xhLMmg0c

7. It will all work out. Stop panicking that things aren't going as you had planned them. Everything happens for a reason, and it will all eventually work out.

https://unsplash.com/photos/sDqT3iD6vSc

8. The worsts get worse. This sounds awful to say but it's true. The time you thought you hit rock bottom's basement last year was just a preparation. That being said,

https://unsplash.com/photos/ewslNYDXmT8

9. The bests get better. The best times you had last year, don't even compare to those of this year. It gets so much better.

https://unsplash.com/photos/hRdVSYpffas

10. Hold on to your hats, it's going to be a bumpy ride! College definitely will not go as you expected it to, and it will be a whole lot different. Although it will be a lot different than you had anticipated, it will be the time of your life, and you'll meet some of the best people you know.

https://unsplash.com/photos/VbOhgTLpo1Y

You would not believe where life has taken you today. It is hard right now, and definitely, nothing expected, but you will push through it. You are strong, and you are resilient. Don't worry about it, there's a plan for you, and this was all a part of the plan. Just enjoy the journey and trust the process.

XOXO,

Your 18-year-old self

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Dear 17-Year-Old Me, Trust The Plan

Looking back, here are some things I wish I had realized when I was, in the words of ABBA, "young and sweet, only 17".

1. The few bad races you had during track season senior year? Don't let them get to you so much. It's all just for fun, and at least you are running. Stop getting so worked up over something so small in the long run.

2. The boy you're worried about? Stop worrying about him, or anything he does. You don't need him to be happy.

3. Loosen up! Enjoy your last year of high school just a little bit more.

4. Some people you thought you were friends with, you only were friends with them because you saw them every day. It really shows you who your real friends are, and opens your eyes up. Sometimes people only talked to you because you were there and saw them every day.

5. Never go to bed angry. Try to work out your problems, whether they're with others or just in your head.

6. Treasure every moment. You never know what could happen. Life comes at you so fast, and you never know how quickly some thing could change.

7. It will all work out. Stop panicking that things aren't going as you had planned them. Everything happens for a reason, and it will all eventually work out.

8. The worsts get worse. This sounds awful to say but it's true. The time you thought you hit rock bottom's basement last year was just a preparation. That being said,

9. The bests get better. The best times you had last year, don't even compare to those of this year. It gets so much better.

10. Hold on to your hats, it's going to be a bumpy ride! College definitely will not go as you expected it to, and it will be a whole lot different. Although it will be a lot different than you had anticipated, it will be the time of your life, and you'll meet some of the best people you know.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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