Younger self,
You are awesome and don't give yourself enough credit. You come to learn so much over these next few years, and I know you will be proud. However, I feel the need to tell you that it certainly will not be easy and you will be put through a lot. There will be good times and times so bad you question everything you know, but you will make it through. I know this information won't carry much meaning at this time, but it will eventually and I hope you find comfort in what I'm about to tell you.
You care too much about what other people think. I'm not saying don't care at all, but don't let it control you. Do the things that make you happy and never apologize for it. If you want to cry, cry, if you want to dance, dance. Stop looking around to make sure no one is watching, just do it. You're human, and those people you are trying to impress are human, too. Don't stress about silly things that have zero effect over your life.
Sadly, you will not be ready for the deaths you will encounter. You'll find yourself asking "Why me" more times than you can count. Bouncing between being jealous of those who get more time with their loved ones and anger that they do and you don't. You are allowed to be sad and angry, but not for too long. No, its not fair. Yes, its hard. But, you can handle it and it will be okay. Take the time you need, but you have to keep going.
You will have relationships. Even though they won't work out, appreciate them. Stop talking yourself out of getting close to people, it's okay to let some people in. With that said, trust your gut. If it feels like a bad idea, it probably is. Even though your gut and your brain may be hard to differentiate, try not to talk yourself out of things because its new. Take a few chances.
You will come to find out how courageous you really are. You will stand up for yourself and fight for what you want in many aspects of your life. Between changing jobs, turning down amazing job offers, and taking a giant risk by starting law school, you become quite a go-getter.
Take time to act your age. Let adult problems be the last thing on your little shoulders. I know you're in a hurry to grow up, but enjoy the present. Stop spending so much time planning out your entire life, from college, career, etc., because honey, those plans will change a dozen different times. Trust me when I tell you, people almost couldn't believe you were finally going to graduate. Embrace the time you have to make a few mistakes and try new things, enjoy a few hobbies. Nothing is a waste of time if you enjoy it.
Stop comparing life to others. Life is not a race and everyone's happens differently. No one loses. Its okay if things don't happen as you want them to or plans change unexpectedly. You won't believe me now, but change can be good. You're life will unfold itself beautifully when it's ready.
Get mad. Seriously, no one should ALWAYS carry a smile on their face. Please, if you need to yell and scream, do it. You're allowed to have a bad day. It will take you way too long to get a handle on this one, but don't be ashamed to be emotional.
Keep an open mind about life and people. The previews are always scarier than the actual movie and people deserve the benefit of the doubt. Let people give you a reason before you judge someone.
Overall, you're going to do some pretty great things in this life, kid. I don't exactly know what, but I am very optimistic and you have yet to ever let me down.
