Writing Prompt! Write an open letter to your 15-year-old self.

 Oh wow!  This one will be interesting.  Sorry in advance.  Writing an open letter to my 15 year old self was a time when I was going through some stuff.  So here it goes.

Freshmen year of high school!  You've got this and let me just tell you that you should do what you believe is good and right for you.  Your life changes so much in the next ten years that I can't even tell you.  Follow your passion for reading and writing and don't listen to your dad when he says that teaching will not get you anywhere because you don't have the heart for 'mean little kids'. Trust me, you get tough. Don't choose choices based on what others want from you, that's just projecting what they've expected as failures.  You are becoming someone who your small self is going to look up to, I promise!  

Treasure time with family although you're nervous to open up.  They don't hate you or wish that you weren't around.  It's complicated, but just smile and keep trying.  Listen to that part of your brain that says that someone isn't good for you.  And for the love of all that is good just say screw it to dating.  Especially at 16... just don't.  Anyone who your dad picks for you just laugh and say no.  Trust me when I say I know we got some stuff to sort through.  Be present with friends and enjoy the friendships.  Surprise, you don't have to go to college right away.  Find a passion and what you like to do.  The world doesn't owe you anything but you have to live it.  Maybe just do some gen eds in technical college and figure life out along the way.  Work on yourself and your life.  Make sure that you can support yourself before any man tries to wiggle himself into your life.  

I honestly wish I could list the best and worst people to attach yourself to and avoid.  But I also know you will have to make your own decisions.  You are smart, beautiful, and soon to be confident.  Don't let anyone tell you your worth, make your own worth so high that you will never settle for less.  It isn't selfish, it's taking care of you before someone comes in and shatters what you feel you're worth.  I know you better than anyone.  You're a hopeless romantic who wants to fall in love, have a family, and make sure everyone around you is happy.  It's okay to be a romantic and young.  It's the best of you but it also gets you into trouble.  Look into anxiety, that train of thought of making everyone happy triggers it.  Be happy and those who are meant to be around you will gravitate there.  

Remember that words matter.  You are going through a bit of a time right now being mad at the world, but just take a step back and see what really matters.  You got this, just take a deep breath.

Just know, I love you more than you'll ever know.  You care so much for people and kind. You don't lose that but I just want you to know that people notice that and remember that for a long time.  Choose Strength.  Strength of mind, strength of body, and strength of your spirit.  

With Love,

Your future self

Well, that brought about some feelings.  So many things I wish I could have told myself then.  I will never get to, but I can tell anyone young going through things that it will get better.  Just be strong and choose strength within yourself to better yourself.