Life in a Letter

Dear me from 10 years ago,

Right now you are in 1st grade, loving the idea of going to school and making friends. The world seems so big, but I know you and it doesn't scare you one bit. In fact, I wish I had your confidence now because it can take you great places. Don't be like me, don't let fear control your future. I am writing to you to tell you a bit about life and what you can do to prepare for it. First, you should know that the bubble you are in right now, and you are in a bubble whether you want to admit to it or not, and it will pop. The enormity of the world will begin to consume you at first, but the pleasures it offers are also greater than you could ever imagine. You are going to go through difficulties, some so hard it may make you question whether you are fit to handle it, but I beg you to persevere. I am not going to lie and tell you life gets better. It doesn't. Life only gets harder from here on out kid, but your circumstances do not determine your happiness. You do. I wish I could tell you that everything will be okay and give you some huge revelation as to what the true meaning of life is, but I can't because I simply do not know. What I do know is that being grateful is important because you never know when the next good thing will come. I also know that you cannot wait for the next good thing to come, you have to get off your butt and find what makes your heart burn with passion. Do not be afraid of pursuing your dreams. Trying and failing is still better than never trying at all. Again, I don't know much, but I have come to believe that life can be a beautiful thing if you can learn to appreciate it. Take a minute and breathe in the air around you, because you never know which breath will be your last. Take in the beauty of your surroundings, every bit of it, even trash can be beautiful if you put your mind to it. Ride a bike, go for a walk, make some friends, read a book. These things may seem minimal now, but the world changes, even in the short span of ten years, but don't let it change you.

Much love, 

Me