Oh, So That's Why We Keep Journals

I'm cleaning my room at my parents' house, figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go. In doing so I found a journal. It's not long, as a often don't finish my journals, but it's interesting, and certainly one I never plan on throwing away or forgetting. But I'd like to take this time to tell myself something:

Dear Me of the Past:

It gets better. In so many ways you are correct. But you have to remember you're not always right. You need to let go and realize you're not always in control. You have so much to learn, so many experiences to encounter. You're going to meet new people, you're going to re-meet old ones.

Some of your predictions are going to come true, but not in the way you think. You think college is a huge, daunting experience, but you'll get through it just fine. You say that you're going to study hard and not just skate by, but let's be honest, skating by is how you work best. You say you're a bit of a loner, but you'll find yourself meeting all sorts of new people, and opening your mind to realizing that right and wrong are much more blurred in the real world.

You say your world is going to end, but I promise, it continues. You don't think you'll get through it, but I promise, it will pass. You'll find yourself in familiar territory, but this time you'll know what to do. You'll laugh more.

When you want to complain, your journal won't be the first place you turn to. You'll have new sources like Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Just remember, when you go back and read your journal you won't be proud of what you wrote. And remember that when you post complaints on Blogs, Facebook and Twitter a lot more people will read and remember them.

Just always remember: life is full of trials and complications. Each day brings new difficulties, and there will always be times when it seems like your world is crashing, but you'll go back and see that you got through one thing, and you can certainly get through another. It will all eventually be ok, and you'll be stronger for it.

Take life one day at a time. Look for signs from God, He does know what's best. Follow your heart and don't be afraid to let it break. You'll learn how to repair it, and ice-cream is not always the answer (as much as you want it to be).

Always remember that your family loves you and sticks with you no matter what. As you continue to expand your friend circle, never let the older ones slip by the wayside: they're just as valuable. Don't be afraid to let people in. Don't bottle things up.

Most of all: be proud of who you are. Stand tall. You're going to speak your mind--people will admire you for it, others won't. So long as you stay proud, none of it will matter. Keep your moral conscience, stick with your gut, and hold on tight--life's a roller-coaster and you're never going to want it to end.

Love, You from the Not-So-Far-Away-Future <3