Dear Kiddo,

Listen my nigguh, you’re gonna be fine.

Please trust me. Don’t panic, I am writing to you as your 29 year old self hopefully you’ll be confident enough to take my advice – it’s not as bizarre as you think trust me.

When I look back now, there are a lot of things that I wish you opened your eyes to at your age that I really didn’t take notice of. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, it might sound cliché but trust me – if you don’t, you’re going to regret it. Go on that trip that they invited you to, be a part of the swim team’s Saturday practice. Don’t be afraid to ask because you think you’ll hear no. Enjoy the things you love, you’re not doing anything wrong and you really can’t turn back the hands of time. Be confident dammit, don’t beat up yourself and try to be so perfect that you miss out on the fun of doing things.

Your mom did a good job of placing you in fit and capable hands, always appreciate them. Your family means a lot to you, your grandma is your biggest ever cheerleader – cherish her dearly. Regardless of how you feel, nobody is against you – it’s an internal fight caused by teenage hormones. If you trust your sister more, she will have your back. It will be so much easier for her to understand your point of view further along the line.

The chapter of your life you’re currently flicking through is a difficult one and I know that the positivity you used to hold on to so tightly is rendered with unwanted feelings. They’re growing like weeds and you’re finding it tricky to pull through those that weave around your feet, tripping your every step but you will be able to break free soon. Trust me when I say that it really does get better.

Enjoy the hell out of high school, you have great friends who aren’t going to be there for much longer. You guys will grow apart (not in a bad way) but you will always remember and appreciate the times you guys spent together. Next year is graduation, enjoy the hell out of that experience - you did well, let them leave you and find your way home.

Listen, you’ll learn that sometimes the biggest challenge can be transformed into something with purpose. That purpose will turn into strength, your strength. Whilst you still come face to face with dilemmas and you find yourself in another muddle, you’ll find things that will guide you through, even when you least expect it.

So hold on tight, it’s going to be a bumpy road but there will be smooth and narrow stretches ahead, always focus on those moments.

Stay strong and stay determined.

You’re going to be ok.

Now chin up and work hard! You are definitely going to reap the rewards.

Love you,

You, Age 29 & 7 Months !