Dear Younger Self,

First off, let me just say that you'll graduate high school! It feels like it'll take forever, but time will FLY by. Also, you will NOT end up at Alabama. I know, shocking! However, the school you end up going to will give you some of the BEST memories, and you're only an hour away from home! I won't tell you what it is yet, I want you to be surprised. :)

Now, let's get to the personal stuff. You will go through A LOT. You will get in a car accident that should have killed you. Surprisingly, you won't be traumatized. You won't drive for several months after, but you will get to drive again, I promise. You'll struggle with severe depression and anxiety. Those are mental disorders, which you will know about soon enough. Some days will be a struggle to get out of bed, but you WILL push through. Trust me. You will also have a moderate form of ADHD. It's annoying as all get out because you can never seem to stay still and you'll forget EVERYTHING. (Side note: have a pencil and notepad with you everywhere!) Sometimes people will be frustrated that they have to repeat things to you because you got distracted, but don't take it personally.

You will lose friends. Think of your best friend right now. I know exactly who it is. You will have a falling out and will no longer be best friends. Don't worry, we're still cordial with each other. I don't mean to make you sad, I just want you to prepare yourself for what is about to become your reality. Just don't take losing your friends so personal — they were always going to be temporary. However, you'll have two close friends your freshman year of college and it's going to be amazing!

I'll end with some advice, taken from my experience:

Don't take things so personally.

Everyone is fighting a secret battle, be kind.

That grudge you're holding right now? LET. IT. GO.

Ask mom if you can go to Church of the Highlands. Just do it.

Dad WILL come back. He took that job because he loves y'all and wants to help mom provide for you. Do NOT hold it against him.

You are not going to like everyone, and not everyone is going to like you.

Say "sir" or "ma'am" unless you're told otherwise.

STUDY. Don't slack off.

You will work many jobs before you go to college. Five, to be exact. Do NOT bail on one just because you don't like it anymore.

Lastly, BREATHE. It'll be okay.

Love,

The Girl You Are Today