Hey there stranger! Long time no talk!

It's been awhile since we've really been on the same page, what with you moving into college and all. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like when we were younger we were so much closer; you took care of me and I helped you not get sick. We were the perfect team! A real dynamic duo if you ask me. Except puberty.. that's still a rough patch we're working on. Sorry about all the mood swings and acne, by the way.

I miss us. I know technically we are still together, but I feel like you've grown distant. The routine we had going for so many years just.. ceased all of a sudden. We don't have our nighttime playlist anymore; Ears really misses the sound of crickets at night and your fan set on high when you were trying to fall asleep. I mean, Ears is getting used to the sound of cars and sirens at night from the city life, but loud voices and thumping music at the times when you should be sleeping is really taking a toll on him. Spine really wishes that you would have at least gotten a mattress topper for your dorm bed, and Shoulders kind of resents you for all the textbooks you carry in your book bag.

We're all trying to adjust in here to your new lifestyle. Trust me, we are all very happy that you are experiencing a new environment and learning new things (Brain is especially ecstatic), but others of us just ask that you remember to take care of us, too. The Taste Buds aren't too happy that they are becoming desensitized to that really strong, bitter liquid that you drink every weekend, and Brain is on the fence about how it affects him. And I don't know what that stinky, thick fog or smoke or whatever it is that you started inhaling is, but Throat says it burns and Lungs is working overtime to keep you breathing right.

I know you sometimes resent Skin for being oily and putting red bumps on your face, but don't take it out on her. She's just trying to get out all the oil and saturated fat that you're eating. Honestly, Skin would just be happy if you took in some fruit and water throughout the day. That's all she wants. Oh, and to not stress out so much. I think that's something all of us in here can agree on: your outside stress adds to our inside stress, and we already have a lot to stress about. It's our job to work hard and make sure you are happy and healthy, but when your mental health isn't up to par, none of us are. We all want what's best for you. Everybody in the Muscular System loves it when you go on walks, runs, or climbs, and Brain is beside himself when you watch documentaries or read all day. The Vocal Chords feel like the stars of the show when you sing at the top of your lungs, and Fingers love moving around to play video games or doodle.

What I'm trying to say is.. we all love it when you do what you love, as long as it is healthy for all of us. Brain enjoys taking in new information and new experiences, but the smelly smog in your lungs and bitter drink in your mouth aren't beneficial in the long run. We have a long road ahead of us; a road where Eyes are beyond excited to see the wonders of the world, Ears are itching to hear every detail, and Fingers are just begging to feel the different textures that the world is full of.

We are all excited and happy to accompany you on this journey you call "life", so I hope this letter finds you in good standing. That way, we can move forward together in happy, healthy harmony.

From Head to Toes full of support,

Your Body

P.S. We don't know how we feel about that person you keep talking to and spending time with. Should Stomach be worried about the butterflies?