To my best friend who is moving across the country:

You’ve been talking about it for a long time. Going out to Los Angeles, following your dreams of becoming a makeup artist, and never looking back. Well, now it’s finally happening. I remember the exact words you said to me when giving me the date of your departure. At first, all that ran through my head were thoughts of praise and joy about your upcoming adventure. Then I became selfish, begging you not to go. So before you leave, here are a few things I really want you to know.

I want nothing but the best for you.

I know that you are doing what is best for you and that’s why I want nothing but success for you. All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy and be doing what you love. So go out there and give it all you’ve got and know that you have friends and family back here cheering you on the whole way.

You will always be my person.

Friendships like ours only come once in a blue moon. From the day I met you I knew we had something special. Our personalities are polar opposites, yet exactly the same. I can talk to you about anything and everything and I definitely do. Whether you are two miles or two thousand miles away, you will always be my person, my lifeline, and my best friend.

Don’t be afraid to fail, but also don’t be afraid to succeed.

In your profession, failure is inevitable. There will always be someone who has a different opinion than you. When this happens, don’t lose yourself or give up. Don’t let one hater be the thing that makes you quit because for every one failure there will be a thousand successes. I ask that you don’t fear the successes either. You always get caught up in pleasing everyone else and never think about pleasing yourself. You are going to be successful, because though failure is inevitable in your industry, so is success. So go out there and show LA what an Indiana boy has to offer.

Finally, don’t look back unless it is to remember where you came from.

When you get in that car to make the long journey across the country, put it in drive and don’t look back. Don’t have any regrets and don’t turn around. You always say you need to do this for yourself, so do it. You deserve it. Only look back to think about where you came from. Call your parents. Call your friends. Call me. Call anyone, but don’t turn the car around. At your going away party you kept telling us not to forget you. That would be impossible, but I ask that you remember not to forget us as well. Never forget how much we love you. We will be in your corner, cheering you on for the rest of your life. And most of all, good luck.