Letter To My Past

Dear Little One,

First and foremost, I feel the need to tell you the most essential thing within this letter - you are beautiful.  You are not, by any means, perfect - nor will you ever be.  This is not something worth striving towards - perfection is unattainable and improbable.  For anyone.  You are so strong in so many ways and your heart is truly beautiful - if nothing else, please focus on your inner beauty.  Life will be hard for you.  You will cry, scream, pain, mourn, and regret.  You will lose so many that you love - to life and to death.  But fear not, little one - these are all emotions that one finds necessary in life.  You will grow from your experiences.  You will thrive.  This is not to say that any successes will come without hardship - you must work for everything that is worth fighting for in your life.

I warn you as I would have benefited greatly from such a forewarning - you will be broken down many-a-times.  It will not be easy.  You will feel...like giving up.  Do not.  Stay strong.  Remember your family, your friends, your future - for even when it seems bleak, it can hold so much.  You determine your fate - you must take the path less taken.  You must stand up for what you believe in and know who you are.  You will not know right away - it takes time to find yourself.  But when you do find yourself?  Embrace it.

You will yearn to be loved.  Do not let this control you.  Do not settle.  You will have several wonderful people come into your life...and then walk out.  This is not a bad thing - it is simply a part of life.  A part of who you are - who you will become.  Good things come to those who wait.  I am still waiting, but I promise, you will be loved by so many wonderful people that the wait will seem effortless.

Lastly, you mustn't compare yourself to those who surround you.  Though tempting it may be, it will only hurt yourself.  Everyone is different in their own way - you are wonderful for being you.  Not for being your brother.  Or for being your best friend.  For being you.  Where you have a weakness, you also have a strength.  Love your strengths and improve your weaknesses.

I wish I could tell you so much more, but I feel that in order for you to grow to the best of your ability, I must refrain.  Remember, you must never give up.

Forever and Always,
Your Wiser Self