Dear Younger Me,

I know that you’ve gone through tough things. Some things that you’ll talk about later with some people and things you won’t ever want to let leave your lips. I’ve learned that, once again, our parents are right when they say “life sucks” to any tantrum we have about chores or activities.

But life is also amazing.

I’ve learned that getting through life is finding the parts of it that don’t suck, the parts that you want to relive over and over again. It’s going to be hard sometimes, maybe harder than other times, but you can get through by looking for the good. Those moments with your friends, the moments you get to learn more about yourself or about the people around you, the moments you get to go out on adventures.

Also, don’t ever be afraid to talk to people. Let it out, let people know how you feel. Don’t let yourself get sucked into a hole of depression from holding to much in. Don’t be afraid to cry, find a shoulder that will comfort you. Yell when you get angry, don’t hold it back when someone deserves it. Maybe find a way to say it kinder than if you just let it spew from your mouth, but say it.

You’re going to go through heartbreak. It happens, of course, to everybody. Don’t be afraid of it. There are important lessons to learn through each heartbreak. A lot of those lessons are about who you are and who you want to be in life. They will help you get ready for your life and be prepared to take on your path with all your strength. Of course, it’s also about finding out who is meant to be in your life for years, and those meant to be there only for months. Some people just aren’t meant to be in your life, and it’s hard to accept, but it’s necessary to be able to keep going. There are better things, better people, that will encourage you through life and lend you a helping hand when you need it.

There are going to be situations that seem impossible to get through, to handle and to live through. You get to decide just how much life will suck from you. Don’t let it suck everything away from you before you have even started on your journey.

Also, don't ever be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Do different things, experiment to see what you like doing and what you don't like. Find ways to express yourself, like through writing, drawing, talking, etc. There are countless ways to express oneself, and many are fun to try to do, even if you don't end up liking those things in the long run.

Take opportunities as they come. If you think you would like to take up an opportunity but think that you don't deserve it or it's something to do with money, don't let those things hold you back. You'll regret not taking those opportunities later in life. There are always ways to get money, such as fundraising, and if you have doubts about being able to do it, parents are always there to help you talk through your problems.

Younger me, don't be afraid to try things to find out who you are. Find what you think is right and wrong, find what you believe in and what you don't. The power is in your hands, and it's up to you to control that power.

Sincerely,

Future Self