So, you grew up. You grew up early, you grew up strong, you grew up too fast. From a young age you have always been independent and maybe sometimes a little bit too mature. You grew up hearing “why can’t you do this?” or “why won’t you just do that?” or “just let lose and have some fun” and the truth is you kept a strong head on your shoulders because you knew right from wrong before most people did and you knew the consequences of every action. You were responsible for everyone in your path. You were the care taker, the giver, the helper, and the adult trapped in a young body. You stressed over everything, strived for perfection, and when you messed up no one was as hard on you as you were on yourself. You watched and lived through other people having fun. You were constantly reminded to not be too hard on yourself and that you are so young and do not have to have everything figured out for right now. And truthfully, you never did anything for yourself. You cared way too much about the health and well being of other people that you have always forgotten to remind yourself of what you really want and what you really need. But someday, I promise you someday all of your hard work will pay off if it hasn’t already.

So, you grew up too fast. And it is okay. Working hard, stressing about the future and where you want to be in life, and always caring for others is not a bad thing but it is not the only thing you should be focused on. No matter how old you are now or where you are in life, it is never too late to start thinking about yourself. You may be an extremely independent person but that does not always mean you have to do everything alone. There is always another door open and another person with a smiling face waiting to help you when you may need it. There are always endless opportunities and new advantages to start over.

Maybe you grew up too fast because life did not give you a choice. Maybe life handed you burdens you cant even begin to say or hardships you would not even wish upon anyone else, making you feel like the world is burning down around you and no one can stop it. Just know that is okay because you are stronger because of it and growing up too soon is not a bad thing. But if you have been living your life growing up too fast, striving for perfection, just know perfection is not possible. Know that everyone messes up and when you mess up, learn from your mistakes and grow from them and learn how to be a better version of you. Learn to let your hair down once in awhile and have fun while always being conscious and wise. Learn to care more about yourself while still loving and caring for other people. Learn to ask yourself what you need and what you want and still keep the strong independent person that you are. Most importantly, learn that who you are is perfectly okay and you should be proud of where you are and who you have become and that you growing up too fast is fine. You are where you are meant to be in life and you will always be okay in the end.

Sincerely,

The future.