This weekend I had the privilege to go back and visit a town I spent a lot of time growing up in. This visit brought up a lot of great memories of fun times, but it also brought up memories of the struggles of growing up. Remembering these times led me to think about who I was, who I am, and who I am still becoming. I decided to write a letter to the person I once was and tell her who I am now.

Dear Little Me,

You’re still so young. I know that you’re in a hurry to grow up, but it’s alright to take some time and enjoy your youth. Life comes and goes way too fast. You really should take the advice to “stop and smell the roses.”

Not everything that comes up in your future is going to be easy. At times, it will seem like there are a lot more hard and unpleasant times than there are good and happy times. Try not to let yourself be so negative. Negative thinking is going to be one of your weaknesses if you let this go on for too much longer. Go into your future knowing that it will in fact be hard, but think positively about the challenges the future will hold.

Right now, you’re content to go with the crowd. You’re afraid of rocking the boat and causing disagreements. Because of this, you often go along with things that you know aren’t beneficial to you. You’re doing this because you want to be popular and well liked. Eventually you’re going to come to learn that you’re a leader. Find your voice and learn to use it. Speaking up for yourself will soon take priority over popularity. It’s better to be heard and liked by some than to be liked by all but afraid to speak up.

You have a hard time making friends, and I’m sorry to say that over the years you’re not going to feel much more comfortable in meeting new people. However, even though it’s still scary for you it’s good for you to get out of your comfort zone. You’re going to learn that you really love people. Even if they scare you, you’re going to love meeting them and building relationships with them. Don’t be afraid of making new friends.

Finally, you are going to be amazed at how much love will come into your life. There is so much love that you are going to receive, but there is also so much love that you are going to be able to give! Never be a hoarder of love, but always a giver of it. It will bring so much more joy into your life.

You have so much to look forward to, even some things that I don’t know about yet. Stay encouraged. Keep your faith. Love everyone.

Love,

Me