I Hope You Come to be Aware

Dear Future Self,

I hope you come to be aware

that everytime someone you love gets in a car

it doesn't mean that they're going to die

just because you and your sister almost did freshman year.

I hope you come to be aware

that everytime your dad has a cough

it doesn't mean that his lung cancer has finally gotten the best of him 

and that he's going to die.

I hope you come to be aware

that you can still believe most people are good people

even though your best friend was raped in the back of a car

just because she wanted a ride home from work.

I hope you come to be aware

that grades aren't the only things that define you

and that getting a C on one test doesn't mean that your mom won't love you anymore.

I hope you come to be aware

that you're capable of doing anything

and that you can achieve anything

including getting over your fear of driving a car.

I hope you come to be aware 

that other people's opinions of you don't matter

and that all that truly matters is what you think of yourself.

And more than anything,

I hope you come to be aware

that you are beautiful and strong and intelligent and capable 

and everything that the kindergarten version of you wanted you to be.

Love, 

Your Past Self