That’s why I’m here, writing to you, the perfect version of myself...the person I hope to become.

I know that things can be tough, as anybody's life is. But I know that you will be strong enough to get through it. You might not realize it now, but you are very strong and I’m sure many people look up to you. I know I would.

I’m also hoping that, along with strength, you’ve found your confidence as well. I know it’s hard. I also know life can be so much better with it and I’m sure you will find it. There’s nothing that should be holding you back from seeing what an amazing person you are!

Then there’s your career I’d like to talk about. We’ve struggled with this idea quite a bit, too. We've been constantly doubting what we may or may not want to do, and changing our mind and thinking about several different career paths.

I hope you found what makes you the happiest every day. I don’t want work to be a chore for you; I want work to not feel like work. Whether you’re a kindergartener teacher, a writer, or a veterinarian, I hope you are doing what you love.

I hope that you have found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. I hope you are completely smitten and in love with him, and that you have no doubt he is your soulmate.

I cannot wait to see your home with him. I know you’re always looking at home interior designs on Pinterest and Wanelo, so I have no doubt that once you have a home of your own, it will look spectacular. Even if your children make a mess of it, which they will, I can’t wait to meet those little people.

Even though I wish all of these blessings for you and your future life, what I wish most of all is for you to be happy. You were granted an entire lifetime when you were born into this world, and I wouldn’t want you to waste a minute of that life miserably. Life can be so wonderful and beautiful when you are happy, and I so badly hope that you are.

I hope all the best for you.

Sincerely,

Your 18-year-old self