Dear Younger Me,

Let me guess...you're currently stressed, feel like you have a million things to do, and are wondering how you are going to make it through. I hate to break it to you, but you will always drive yourself crazy with the "what if's", and stress is a part of life. BUT, I have some good news for you: don't stress too much because "life keeps moving on" (thanks for the good advice Ben Rector).

When you're drowning in school work, don't get too overwhelmed. I know how big of a perfectionist you are, and I know you constantly check your grades. But, take some time for yourself. Make more time for your family and friends. I know it seems like your future is riding on what you're doing right now, and it most definitely does. However, everything is going to turn out fine, trust me. College is a lot different than where you are right now, and life changes too, but the changes are good. You'll look back at times and miss the simplicity of your life right now, so cherish every moment. Life will be taking off soon. Ready. Set. Get ready to go.

You probably already know it, but you have the best family and friends in the world. You're really going to see this soon. After you graduate, your close friends only grow closer, and you really lean on your family. These people are your encouragers and your support system. They are the people you turn to when you need something or some good advice. These are the people you go out with when you need a break from the hustle of life. You're going to find that those who truly care about you stay in your life, and you learn to let go of the ones who don't. It gets easier. Some people come and go, but your family and true friends stick with you no matter what. I know you're learning this concept right now, and this lesson is a hard one. You'll shed many tears, but I promise they're worth it. This time is meant for you to learn, and this lesson is one of the greatest lessons in life.

Grow in your faith more right now. Don't put it off or fail to devote enough time to it. Your relationship with God is the most important thing. Grow in community with your fellow believers. Accountability and prayer partners are crucial to your daily walk with Christ. Dig deep in the Word, and meditate on it daily. Your day is so much better when your start it with a quiet time. Fill your heart and mind with the words of your Savior who loves you. You are enough, you are more, you are loved more than you could ever imagine. Find your worth from the One who loved you enough to send His Son to die for you. Be the light, and walk with Him daily.

I would like to think that if you got the chance to read these words that they might help you in your current season of life, but I don't know that they would. The choices you're making now and the lessons you're learning are shaping the person you will be. They are important and mean something. Who I am right now and what I know right now is all because of you, and I thank you for that. The only thing I really need to tell you is that God has a plan for your life, and His plans are far greater than our own. We just have to trust Him and that is a lesson we have to learn daily. Life is all about learning and becoming, and I have to say, you're getting a pretty great start.

Love,

Your Future Self