Hey there,

You don’t know who I am just yet, but you will by the time you finish reading this letter. I’m writing you to let you know in advance of some important lessons that you have yet to learn from your own personal and future experiences. My reasoning behind writing this random, yet necessary letter, is that a lot has happened to lead me to the person I am today. And I feel as if it is almost crucial that the first person I share my inputs with is the person reading this letter: you.

First thing’s first: Time is so valuable. Stop wasting so much of it worrying whether or not you are making your peers happy when the only person’s happiness you should prioritize is yourself. That being said, do continue to value the opinion of those you care about but try not to take everything they say or do to heart. You will not know every single detail about what is going on in the lives of those you care for. Because of this, it is important to remember to not take everything everyone says so personally. Stop over-analyzing every little detail. Stop living in the past and worrying about whether or not you're good enough for everyone. The only person you should be good enough for is yourself. Ask yourself whether or not what you are worried about this very moment will even be relevant two years from now, let alone two days, or even two hours for that matter.

As hard as it may seem, and as cliché as it sounds, do what makes you happy. It truly does not matter what it is and what others think of it. People are going to judge you no matter what you do, so you might as well make it worth it. Find your passion and do whatever makes you feel most alive because that is how you are meant to live this short life. So, do what I did, and follow your heart. You know that city you’ve always dreamed of living in? Well, here I am sitting in a college dorm room in that city, watching the cabs speed by and the tourists hold up their maps as I write this very letter to you, my 10-year-old self.

Now that you know who I am, and me knowing how curious you really are, I am assuming you probably have a ton of questions about what exactly your future has in store for you. Trust me, I remember wanting to know everything when I was your age. But, also know that concerning yourself too much with the future is almost as bad as dwelling on the past because it is still preventing you from living in the present. Nonetheless, take into account everything I just told you with everything you do. Do everything with love, appreciate most, take nothing for granted, be kind to all, and always remember to never give up. Do as I say, and you will be living life to its absolute fullest. Trust me, you have no idea how happy I am.

Yours truly,

Liz