Dear Younger Me,

Things are a little difficult right now. You’re confused, trying to find who you are, and being hurt by people who don’t deserve your friendship. You are looking for validation in all of the wrong places, and I really wish you could see that you don’t need it. I wish you could see that you are so worthy of love and respect just the way you are without trying to change yourself to fit in. I wish you could see how beautiful you are and that you wouldn’t listen to all of the negative words the toxic people in your life are poisoning your mind with. No one in your life is worth the tears and heartache you are experiencing right now. The sooner you learn to cut out those toxic relationships, the sooner you will realize how good life can be when you find the right friends who support you no matter what.

You’re in a dark patch right now. You feel trapped, like no one will understand the pain you’re going through. I wish you would just swallow your pride and stop pretending to be strong when you don’t have to be. It’s okay to need a little help, and you don’t have to be embarrassed. Be honest when your mom asks you why you’re upset. Even though you don’t want to believe it, she has some really good words of advice. Learn to listen to her.

Appreciate your siblings, because one day you’re going to be away at college for months at a time and realize how much you need them. Spend time with them. Savor every moment that you can be with them without having to travel five hours. Remember that friends come and go, but family will be there no matter what. Be a big sister they are proud of.

You’re going to meet new people that are going to hurt you. Don’t let those people ruin how you view others. Never stop loving people. Never strop trusting people. Life is full of heartbreak and people that want to hurt you, but don’t let those few bad seeds sprout cynicism in your heart. Remember that there are good people out there that want to care for you. Let them.

Voice your opinion. You have a voice and ideas that deserve to be heard. Never let yourself be silenced by people that don’t want to listen. Stop being so afraid of what others have to say about how you see the world. The second you stop caring about other people judging you for speaking your mind, a whole new world will open up for you. The liberation you will feel will be so worth it.

You probably think life is so hard right now. I have some bad and good news for you -- it gets harder, but thankfully, you will have people to lean on and help you through it. All of the things you think are the end of the world will become so irrelevant in the next few years that you’ll end up laughing at how much time you wasted being worried and stressed over nothing.

Lastly, never be afraid of love. Stop running from the people that want to love you, and stop being afraid of letting yourself love others. It’s okay to let yourself be vulnerable. This tough-girl façade is only going to hurt you in the end. Love as much as you can. Let others know how much you love them. You never know when you won’t get the chance to.

You’re growing into a smart, intelligent, and beautiful girl. The future is full of surprises, and I can’t wait for you to see it.

Love,
Future You