Dear former self

I read an article about someone who decided to write a letter to his former, 16-year-old self. It inspired me to do the same:

Dear 16-year-old Self,

This is an especially tough year in terms of family crises, but you are stronger than you think. Things get better (well, it comes in waves). Don't brood over it too much and be nicer to your mom. You are wise beyond your years in many ways, but don't rush the maturation process. Party and experiment more in college and even a little in high school--within reason, of course, but I shouldn't have to tell you that. (For starters, mysterious blond guys and alcohol are an interesting mix.) You have a lot of potential and many people will encourage you, but it won't do you any good until you start believing in yourself.

Most relationships are overrated and transitory, so there's really nothing wrong with you for deciding that you have more interesting or important things to do. In almost all cases, you actually do. This philosophy seems crazy to some people, but it will make you a more well-rounded, independent person in the future. Plus, you bring more to a relationship this way. Believe it or not, you can be independent and paired up at the same time, under the right circumstances.

If you like a guy and you think he likes you back, he almost definitely does. You don't have to do anything about it, necessarily, but don't avoid taking a risk for fear of "ruining the friendship" or [insert bs excuse], either. If he doesn't make a move and you move on, he is much more likely to regret it later and . . . well, you probably won't regret it at all, but you will be kicking yourself for second guessing your intuition once again. I'm pretty sure those don't work out for a reason, though. Which reminds me, do yourself a huge favor and always trust your initial instincts. You cannot and should not trick yourself into thinking or feeling otherwise.

Also, don't work so much. That hard work in school pays off for a while, but it won't last forever. You can still be good at your job and maintain a social life on weekdays. Those jerks (the jerks that make decisions) won't appreciate the effort, anyway, not really.

The world won't end when things don't go as you planned. Go with the flow and see where it takes you. Appreciate life's many processes and know that the only constant in life is change. You are sure to be surprised.

Love,

Your 24-year-old Self

p.s. Get renter's insurance and don't jump at the first opportunity to go to New York.