Dear, me

I have a hard time telling you things you could have done or changed or warning you about things to come because they have made you who you are today.

I could tell you to be less cautious and to be more autonomous but you learn that on your own. You didn't need anyone to tell you. You needed the lessons. So, I'm not going to give you any lessons but instead maybe some words of encouragement or wisdom. Some words to put you at ease because sometimes I know that's all you need.

-Don't worry about being liked by everyone and don't let go of the friends you've always had for the "popular" ones. Don't be worried about being alone. The friends you have right now are the ones you'll still have over a decade later. They're still the best (especially for sticking with you).

-Don't worry about your parents getting divorced. The bad times will end and you'll realize the amazing relationship you have with each of them couldn't exist today if their relationship with each other didn't change. Always remember, "But if there's love, dear, those are the ties that bind, and you'll have a family in your heart forever." #mrsdoubtfireftw

- Don't worry when you "break up" with this guy in the 4th grade. And maybe don't rip this picture in half in front of everyone during indoor recess in your usual over dramatic fashion (but do go home and tape it back together like I know you will). He'll be back soon enough.. and he'll tease you about that forever. 

Sorry for the terrible quality^ but I had to ;)

-Never feel guilty about missing that movie or sleepover with your friends when it means spending time with your grandparents. When they're gone, you'll have no regrets and it will be one of your greatest accomplishments.

My handsome papa :) miss you, always.

-Take all the hints. Use a lighter hand when it comes to your eyeliner. You're not the lead singer for Green Day. Also, it doesn't photograph well, at all.

-Don't straighten your hair every.single.day of middle school. You'll change the chemistry of your hair and your gorgeous curls will be gone forever only to be replaced with limp waves. I'm still bitter, girl. 

-Don't make your mom spend all that money on Hollister and A&F. They're a shit company with horrifying values and you'll be embarrassed later that any of her money went into their hands. Also, you look kinda dopey. 

-Please, please, please love your body. It's the smallest you're ever going to be (sorry... still workin' on that one) and you look beautiful. Don't beat yourself up and compare yourself to other girls so much. Focus on your inner beauty instead.. you have so much of it people don't always get to see. 

-Continue to accessorize the hell out of life. 

-Keep writing, and reading, and don't let anyone else dictate your passions. You'll still love it years later and you'll appreciate your dedication to what you love most. 

-These people below? They're going to be your best friends for life. They're going to be the ones you experience everything with and they'll always know more about you than you think. Don't be so attitude-y with them. They're some of the only ones who know exactly what you know about life and family. They're some of the best kind of people. Love them fiercely. 

-Trust your instinct. I know I don't have to tell you this because even though you are cautious and over think you always go with your gut and it has seemed to work out well for us.

-Try to live each day and appreciate as much as you can. Revel in simplicity and enjoy your childhood because you're given the best childhood ever and you'll forever be reaching to get it back. 

-Remember that better things are always to come. That fight with Sammy? You'll work it out. You didn't make Poms? So not the end of the world. You didn't win the writing award in the fifth grade? (yeah, you're still so bitter about this too) You'll get a better one later on. There will always be better days so don't worry so much about the ones that seem so bad. 

-& please, for the love of God, always love food this much.

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Link up with Taylor, Helene, & the rest of us for #blogtober14! I love writing these kinds of posts. They feel so cathartic to me once I'm finished. I can't wait to read all of your letters to your younger selves!