Hey you,

I know you may be looking at me now and be disappointed, shocked, proud, or surprised, but I want you to know that you have endured a lot these past years and learned quite a bit. There are some things I would have liked to tell you in your younger years, and this is what I would have wanted you to know.

You are incredibly intelligent. From a young age, you loved to read, write, do puzzles, and participate in any activity that was stimulating to your brain. You learned how to read at the age of four and fell in love. Most weekends you would go to the public library with your mom and pick out ten books and this would be the highlight of your week. You could not wait to get home and read all of your books and you looked forward to the next trip to the library. While some people may have found this dorky, you didn't care. It was your hobby and nobody was going to get in the way. You also spent your free time watching educational movies and loved to "play school" with friends. Your mom had to make the decision to either put you in school early or wait, but she knew that you were ready and so she put you in early. Your mom was right. Thank you for setting me up for success with education at such a young age.

You are so kind to others. You were always so open to making friends with everyone from a young age. Your parents stressed from a young age to be kind to others and to never say anything that you would not want said to you. You always looked for the good in others and made your very first best friend by welcoming the new girl in the 1st grade. For the record, that new girl was one of the sweetest friends you could ever have. You joined girl scouts in the 1st grade as well and the majority of those girls are still your best friends to this day and taught you a lot about kindness as well. I'm so proud of that little girl.

Ignore the people who are cruel to you. People will tease you for being so tiny and boys will call you anorexic. Don't let this hurt you. One day you are going to miss that lightning speed metabolism. They are just jealous that you have the ability to eat multiple cheeseburgers and not gain a pound. For the record, that will not be lasting forever. Remember to stand up for yourself, but be kind. These cruel words say more about them than it does you.

Do not lose your creativity. At the age of 10, your whole fifth-grade class will write a creative story and one person's story will be chosen to be acted out at an assembly at school. So what do you do? You write the most unrealistic, absurd story in hopes that yours will not get chosen because you hate the attention. Yours got chosen. In middle school, you find a website where you can write stories every week and it is the greatest thing since sliced bread to you. Do not let the limitations with school, as time goes on from losing your creativity. Do not stop writing. Do not stop daydreaming and sharing your passions.

Do not stop being active. You will have grown up playing sports since the age of five, and you will love playing sports. Especially soccer. This does not mean that you will be playing sports all your life. This does not mean you become a couch potato and reject what the beautiful, fresh world has to offer. Go hiking and adventure. Go camping and fishing. Even if nobody wants to join, just go enjoy life. You will be surprised at how refreshing it is to take a step outside and be free.

It is okay to say no. Please start learning how to say no. People in your classes will ask you to send them the homework answers constantly and you will grow exhausted from having to put in work while they sit and do nothing. Say no to them. Do not allow yourself to be a mat that is stepped on. If someone asks you to do something and you do not want to because you would rather watch a movie with your parents than say no. That does not in any way make you lame. Do not reject every invite, but do not feel bad for doing what you want to do.

Your heart will be broken. Don't let this make your heart cold. So you go through your first heartbreak and you will not think that it can get any easier. How can you feel so sick to your stomach and even fathom the idea of falling in love again? I promise you will. Do not let your heart grow cold. Even if it was a bad breakup, forgive him and forgive yourself. If the breakup was your fault, own up to it but do not forget to forgive yourself. You are human and you will make mistakes. But you will learn and grow, and one day you will understand why this did not work out. Prince Charming is out there, I promise. You might have to kiss a few frogs in the process.

Thank your parents and friends. Your family and friends have shaped you as to who you are as a person. Your parents have taught you great morals and have encouraged you to enjoy life and the ride it has to offer. They will support you through every decision, even if they do not necessarily agree. They are the greatest people. Your friends will offer you comfort and support when needed, and will also be the ones to make sure you have a good time. Don't ever stop thanking your childhood friends because they will stick around for a long time

Love yourself endlessly and unconditionally. At the end of the day, all you have is yourself. Do not criticize yourself and be harsh because God molded you into having all these perfect imperfections and made you who you are today. You will make so many mistakes and will continue to do so, but you have great intentions and a loving heart. Don't forget to love yourself. Because I know I love you.

Love,

Your older self