Dear Alexis,

It's me! Your older, successful, and happy self! I know that you are freaking out right about this time in our life. You have no clue what to do with your life, and I know that scares you. You're a planner. You like to plan everything out, and if that plan doesn't work, you sort of break down. That great crazy planning of yours comes in handy in the future, I promise. But right now, it's getting you in trouble. So stop trying to plan everything, take a step back, and just breathe.

Your future is bright. I can say that because I'm living it right now. I can't give you any specific details, I don't want to mess anything up. But let me just say, we are very happy. School didn't work out the way you thought it would, but you did graduate with a degree. I can't tell you in what, but you had a lot of fun! So stick with the plan you have in your head now, because it's going to work out.

If you don't stop stressing and freaking out, you won't have the future I'm telling you about. I won't even exist. And I'm amazing! So you really need to chill out. The more you stress the more confused you're going to get and it's just going to go downhill from there. You really need to relax. And stop worrying about what everyone thinks! That's a big one. That will destroy you. You'll do some questionable things in the next few years, and not everyone is going to agree with your decisions. But as long as YOU'RE happy and committed to it, then that is all that matters.

Mom always tells you, "as long as you're committed to your decisions." And that's exactly what you have to do! Don't let anyone make you think you're not doing the "right" things. Who are they?! They don't know. Trust me. Trust yourself! Because I am you and you are me, duh... But seriously, stop looking to other people for answers. They DO NOT have the answers. Half the people you're asking about life have no idea what they are doing either! So just trust yourself and be committed. Those things are key (inserts key emoji here).

What you have to realize is that it doesn't matter where you go to school, or even if you go to school at all! As long as you are passionate and happy you will be successful! Success isn't measured by the amount of money you make, or how nice your car is, success is measured by the smile on your face and the happiness in your heart. So if you're smiling and happy then that's success right there!

I really hope this has cheered you up, given you some inspiration. Alexis, we can do this! YOU can do life! I can't wait for you to see all that you've accomplished.

I love you, sweet girl. Always remember that you are beautiful.

-A