With Timehop and Facebook memories, we are all reminded of when times were different. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really like those notifications. Either they were embarrassing, or from someone who is now a stranger. Regardless, they usually bring up bad feelings. With that being said, I am still grateful that I was who I was at that point, if I wasn’t, I couldn’t be me. Even more importantly, I am grateful for finding myself now.

This is for my present self. For the me that I am right now. Not the one who got me here, nor the one that I will be, but me, here, writing this for you, for me. I want to address present me because we so often only think about our pasts or our futures. Why not appreciate who you are at this very moment? “Right now is a gift, that’s why it’s called ‘present’.”

Be a present to your present self. Learn to appreciate your worth. Love yourself. Laugh at your own jokes even if no one else finds them funny because you know you’re hilarious and that’s all that matters. Take pride in everything that you do. Put as much effort in as you can, and then just a little bit more. Be grateful for every second you get to spend with your loved ones. Be grateful for the ones that you spend alone, too. Once you find yourself, the right people can’t help but befriend you, or even love you. Take some time everyday to treat yourself. Whether it is to read a book, go out with friends, or to buy your favorite caffeinated concoction from that one coffee shop, just remember to thank yourself. You literally couldn’t do anything you have accomplished without your present self.

I just wanted to say, I’m proud of you. You’re doing so good for yourself. You learned to be happy. You accepted that things aren’t always perfect, but that doesn’t stop you from trying your hardest. You have such good friends and a family beyond compare. You’re somehow maintaining a balance in your life, which is amazing.

I know it’s hard sometimes, dealing with everything, but look at you. You’re doing it. Even if you think you’re struggling, just know you’ll get through it and we will both be grateful. When you start to feel overwhelmed, understand that you can truly do whatever you set your mind to. When you begin to get anxious, focus on the “right here, right now”, take a deep breath, and carry on. When your mind is clouded with depression, remind yourself you have gotten out of it before, and you will again. You will be okay.

I know this all seems cliché, but maybe we will understand the validity if we actually try it. We can’t change the past, but maybe if we alter the present, we can create a better future.