Hey you,

As you embark on this wonderful journey called life there are a few things I need you to remember.

First and foremost, cherish every second of your time on this earth. You are going to come to understand that nothing is ever promised and every day is a gift. Remember that every breath you take is something to cherish and always something to be proud of. You're too young to understand this now, but death is inevitable so promise me you will live every day to your greatest potential.

Next, cherish the time you have with your family. They love you more than you could even begin to understand. They are the people that will despite everything you do, always be there for you. Don't forget about them as you grow up. You can't get that time back.

Cherish the time you have with your friends. People come into your life for a reason, but that doesn't always mean they stay. Some people are going to leave you and it's going to hurt, but that shouldn't be a reason to not see that relationship to the end. Timing is everything, trust it. Love the people you love while you have them. These people made you who you are, you owe them everything.

The same goes for relationships. Just because you know someone is going to hurt you if they leave isn't a reason to run away in fear. Be scared and do it anyway. The first guy you really fall for is going to move across the world, but you will be ok, I promise. You're going to get your heart broken a few times but you'll be better because if it. Don't ever lose your big heart because that's why people fall in love with you in the first place. The right guy will come along and show you just why it never worked out with anyone else.

Athletics will consume your life. You're going to fall in love with the game more than you could ever put into words. You're not going to grow too much though. You're going to be undersized, overlooked. Despite this, you are going to be one hell of an athlete, kid. This is going to kill you to read, but athletics will get taken from you. You're going to fall into a dark place but I swear to you that one day you'll understand exactly why it had to happen. You're going be just fine.

You hate school until you get to the university level. You don't go to your dream school but you end up exactly where you need to be. You're going to fall in love with your education more than you could even begin to imagine. You're going to meet professors and friends that change the way you look at the world. For the first time in your life, you can say that you are genuinely and consistently happy. You're smart and you're crazy dedicated which makes you great. You're going places and I cannot wait to see how far we can take this.

You're going to have jobs that change who you are and what you stand for. Jobs that will shape you into a tremendous leader. Jobs that break your heart to leave. You will be given families that you don't think you could ever live without. You'll never be the same. Your hard work will take you places that leave people in awe but don't lose yourself in the process.

You're going to fail a lot but you'll be better because of it. Take every failure and turn it into something great. And please don't be so hard on yourself. A beautiful thing is never perfect. Bet on yourself every time.

Thank your family, friends, coaches, and teachers often. They believe in you more than you'll ever know. Live with a grateful heart and never hold back your gratitude.

Be good to people. Be the light that this world so desperately needs. Wear your heart on your sleeve. Be so vulnerable that it scares you. You're going to change so many peoples lives just by being you.

Kid, I just need you to believe in yourself and hold on even when you have doubts. I need you to trust in God and fully believe that everything happens for a reason because your life turns out to be crazy beautiful and I don't want you to miss a single second of it. I am so proud of us. Enjoy the journey, it's a wild ride.

Love,

Your future self