Dear Younger Me,

Where do I begin? You've done well so far; it's been a good life. But if I could tell you what I know now maybe you'd listen and have a smoother ride- although, I'd have to think carefully about what all I would change because your choices and your mistakes are what made me who I am.

Know that some plans can change. Not everything turns out the way you expect. But don't fret- it's okay, and do you know why?Because sometimes that's a good thing! You'll never know when the unexpected actually turns out to be better than the expected. After all, everything happens for a reason.

Don't be afraid to trust your own instincts. If you know you're supposed to be doing something, do it. If you know you're not supposed to be doing something, then don't do it- simple as that! Don't let others influence you. Think carefully, and remember: if your answer isn't an immediate "yes" it could be a "no". Otherwise, what someone told me is true: it looks bad on you whether you meant it or not.

Trust God. He sees what you don't, hears conversations you don't, and knows what you don't. He will work things out for the better. Talk to him- via words, music, art, etc- He is always listening. Know that He's always been there for you- even when you didn't see Him or know Him. He was there when you felt left out, He was there with you when you were sad, and He was there with you when things weren't going well.

Forgive. I know it's not easy, but here's the thing: you think forgiveness is for whoever hurt you- it's not. It's for us! We're not signing an agreement with what they did, we're just not letting those feelings consume us anymore. Let it go; some of those people can't hurt you anymore.

Keep a journal every once in a while. There will be some moments you don't want to forget! You don't have to tell every single detail just some basic highlights.

Don't stay in your shell too often. I know it can be intimidating around new people, but you never know who you're gonna meet! Try to make a friend in every class if you can. Find someone you can tell EVERYTHING to. These are the people who could be your friends for life, the people you can hang out with sometime- I know how lonely you get sometimes.

Don't let fear get in the way of what you want to do. Don't let it stop you from doing the thing you love. Be fearless! Otherwise, you'll miss out on some of the greatest opportunities life offers.

Don't forget to eat. Don't starve yourself, either. Food helps your motivation.

There's so much more I could tell you but for right now, smile more, laugh often, and treat yourself every once in a while, you deserve it (by all means save some money, but it's good to spend some every now and then).

And you keep being phenomenal- and! Because that is what you are, and what you will always be! Don't let anyone- including yourself- tell you otherwise!

Stay be-you-tiful!

Love always,

Future You