Dear Younger Self,

A while I back, I would have wanted to tell you all the things you're doing wrong and how to fix them, but recently I've learned that just as with everyone else, it is important to be merciful and patient. So instead of being depreciating I will kind. Instead of laughing at you, I will respect the things you have learned and urge you to keep learning.

You are going through some hard stuff right now, and sure you have made some mistakes, but don't let that discourage you. You will learn from them. I cannot promise you that life won't be hard because that would be a lie, and it's important to be honest--with yourself as well as others. However, there is one thing I can promise you. Those things that are making your life miserable will soon become smaller because you will become stronger.

And while I'm telling you to be honest and realistic, always strive to be the optimist that I know you can be. Start by being more aware of and kind towards others. Don't try to change the world. Try to change yourself. Instead of trying to be a nice person, try to be a kind person. A nice person does things for other people because they want to be loved. A kind person does things for other people because they love them. And remember, be patient in your journey of self-improvement. You were given a lot of assets to work with, but that doesn't mean that you have to work with all of them all at once. You will become exhausted and discouraged quickly. Start with big goals and small steps. It's just like the struggles you're dealing with right now. Soon the huge goal you are trying to achieve will seem smaller. Because you will be stronger.

You have big dreams and an optimistic heart. Don't hurt them by being disparaging. Be merciful. Have good thoughts. Don't give up. And if things don't turn out the way you want them too, know this. They're going to be even better than you ever could've dreamed because it's impossible for our human minds to plan, much less comprehend, the great Plan. So in the meantime, don't worry about what you don't have control over. Always try to do the right thing in the moment--it will pay off.

Keep getting good grades, stay in contact with the people who help you to be a better person, keep reading the books that bring you joy, don't exchange your appreciation of good food for diets that make you discontent, spend a little less time on the internet and a little more time with your family, keep looking for the humorous side of things, and last but not least, remember that simplicity and organization are under-rated. Sorry, to tell you this, but you're always going to have a bit of trouble with that. Sorry. Speaking of which, I'd better go clean my room.

Sincerely,

Your Future Self