I know things are so difficult right now.

I know you're trying to build your life, but you have no idea what is in store. Forgive your mother and hug her a little tighter. Focus in school. Do your homework.

More importantly...

It's okay to miss a day. It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to cry and to be miserable and to wallow. But tomorrow, you need to get off your ass and get back to your old self. You get a day.

Enjoy the fire, the magic, the wonder of being a young adult. You don't need to grow up right now - take it from your 20-something self: you aren't going anywhere. You're still gonna be YOU ten years from now. Beautifully, so.

You're going to discover beautiful things about yourself. You're going to grin like a fool, cry like a baby, laugh like a hyena, and fight like a warrior. You will do all these things in heels.

You won't end up like Margot Kidder or that lady from misery who held an author captive. You won't be bludgeoned or thrown in the woods all alone. You're still here. You're still kicking. And you're more beautiful than ever in your blissful adolescent years. You're glowing.

Now, I advise you to stay away from drugs. They will be around you. Same goes for republicans, strange people wielding axes, and anyone who smokes Newport non-menthols.

One day, someone is going to come into your life, and it will be like that time you dropped an entire hamburger and your dog Jack had a little glisten in his eyes as he realized that he'd struck oil by tripping you, inevitably making you drop the burger. You'll feel like Jack felt. And you'll ask yourself "how did I get so lucky?" Marry that damn hamburger.

Treat them with respect.

Lastly - don't waste your time on your physical appearance. You're going to get prettier. It doesn't feel like it, but 20-year-old you is going to be HOT.

Take care of yourself and don't forget to eat the hamburger. They're worth it.

Love,

Adult You