Dear 10-year-old Me,

Now, as I am about to turn 18, I reflect back on what has happened to me since I was you. There are good things, and there are terrible things, but all in all Little Me, I'm happy to say that no matter what you will or have felt in your life, there is always joy in something, and you are a strong person today because of the you that I was.

There are a few menial things I'd like to share with you. First of all, part your hair on the side, the middle part doesn't work if it's jagged and isn't taken care of. Second, listen to your mother and start wearing a bra! While you may not like them, it's getting to be obvious that you need one. Third, better choices should be made in the fashion department! While I know that you are only 10, cargo shorts are a no then and now.

Now for the serious stuff. Don't compare yourself to your step sisters, you will only cause yourself pain. You are you and they are them, you're different people with different body types and that's okay! Don't worry about what boys do and don't think of you, it's too much for you to be worrying about, worry about making good lasting friendships. (P.S. that boyfriend you have that you never see but you're still "dating?" Yeah, you're not getting married). Also don't stress when switching to Vickery Creek, you'll meet some amazing people, even ones that live right in your new neighborhood! Switching schools is something that will happen to you a lot and will be something you'll never get used to, but it will also be a blessing in disguise in all cases. Don't worry, what's amazing is that you will also go to school with some of your elementary friends in about six more years.

Mommy's cancer is terminal, don't brush off the therapists when they talk about death, it's something you're going to have to deal with in about a year. Cherish her, do some of the things around that house that she can't, she's getting weaker and more tired and she needs help. Don't complain when she asks you to pack your own bag to go to daddy's and try to talk to her more, she wants you to talk to her about things and if you don't, you'll wish you did later. Try to acclimate yourself to Daddy and Mrs. Rosa's rules, it will benefit you in the long run. Also, stop lying now so that you can get yourself out of a lot of problems later, it's deceiving, but you always get in less trouble if you tell the truth.

Appreciate everyone in your life right now because half of them will disappear. The sad truth is that you lose people and then you're only friends on Facebook and you don't know that person anymore.

I know all of this is a big spoiler for the life ahead of you, but you won't read it anyways. These are things I wish you could have known, the things that could have changed you for the better, and in turn, changed me. That being said, you'll love who you turn out to be. I do, and I try to more everyday.

Yours truly,

Marissa