Dear Me..With Love, Your Future Self

So it hit me the other day, that ten years ago, I was making my way through my senior year in high school. Ten years? I know, I don't look old enough. Right?! But yes, ten years! I began to think about how I saw life then, what my goals were and what my 17 year old self thought my future would look like. Well, let me tell ya, where I'm at now compared to where I thought I would be are two totally different places. In all these thoughts, I wondered what I would tell myself if I could write a little note to that girl. You know, kinda like the Brad Paisley song. This is what I came up with:

Dear 17 year old version of me,

I know this is going to sound weird, but this is you ten years from now. I understand that you have a very busy life full of school, work and socializing. However, I wanted to pass along a few tidbits of information that you might be interested in. First, stop worrying about the future so much. Yes, you are about to step out into the world as an adult, but you still have a few months. Enjoy them! Second, don't worry so much about boys. Someday soon you will meet a wonderful man. You'll know him the minute you lay eyes on him. He's going to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Finally, I know you have big plans. Many of those plans will transform over the years until you finally land on what you truly want to do in life. When you discover it, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I promise. Keep that ambition and drive that allows you to make such big plans. The strength and courage that comes along with that ambition is going to get you through some things that I cannot even begin to tell you about. Most importantly, keep an open heart and an open mind. Love with every ounce of your being. Tell those whom you love how you feel every chance you get. Forgive easily. Now, please, get on with your day.

With love,
Your Future Self

P.S. Go hug Granny and Papa!

P.P.S. When you have children, please don't name them anything goofy like Apple or Pilot Inspektor or Fifi Trixibelle.