I’m going to tell you some things I wish you’d known way back when:
1. Life isn’t easy, and it never will be. Suck it up and just do life.
2. Don’t become discouraged when things don’t happen just the way you want them to. If that blog you try to start up fails, keep blogging. If you don’t become an internet sensation overnight, keep posting. If that book you try to publish is rejected, keep writing. Keep doing what you’re doing, especially if it makes you happy. Which leads me to point #3...
3. Do what you love, love what you do. It’s a pretty cliche saying, but it’s true.
4. You may think you know what you want to do with your life, but chances are, what you want is going to change over and over again -- and even after you think you’ve finally settled on an end goal, it will never stop evolving. That’s a good thing. It means you’re growing.
5. You get the guy. Plain and simple. Eventually, he’ll fall in love with you, you’ll get married, and you’ll live happily ever after. So stop moping and go live your life.
6. All those ‘dramatic’ things that happen to you -- you will get over them. Those lost friendships will hurt less, those painful memories will fade into the background. Kids are bullies. You have the opportunity to spare yourself a whole lot of heartache if you just forgive them and move on.
7. Not all kids will be bad though. You are going to make some incredible friends along the way. Cherish them.
8. Take more chances. Don’t be so scared about what others are going to think of you. Peer pressure shouldn’t rain on your parade. It isn’t worth it. And if you let it, one day you’re going to look back and think about how you should’ve just gone paint-balling or driven that go-cart. So, take it from me. Just drive the go-cart.
9. Enjoy the simple life now because in a few years it ain’t gonna be that simple. Which also means…
10. Don’t be in such a rush to grow up! Adults say it all the time...and trust me. They’re right. So what if you’re fifteen, and the waitress at Applebee’s still asks you if want a kiddie menu. At least you don’t have her bills to pay!
11. Start to pursue your dreams as early as possible. Spoiler alert: you’re going to love writing. Like really, really love it. But, in a few years, when you marry the guy and have the baby, free time is a rare commodity. Your dreams will be harder to pursue then. So, pursue them now.
12. Be pliable but hold fast to the things you hold most dear. They are at the core of who you are, and nobody can change your mind on anything unless you let them. Allow yourself to be shaped and molded, but be sure to always retain your innermost beliefs.
13. You’re never going to be perfect, and you’re always going to be looking for ways to improve yourself, but you are going to love who you become! Along the way, there will be extraordinary people who will guide you and grow you in ways you can’t possibly imagine now. And you will become an independent, strong-willed, and intelligent woman because of them and their influence on you. (This includes your mother. You may think you know everything. You don't. She's smarter than you. So, just make life simpler and listen to her! She always gets what she wants anyway.)
14. You’re going to be just fine. This life thing is always new and always changing, but that’s part of its adventure! Embrace it and enjoy every moment that you can. It goes by so fast!
Love,
Your Future Self