A letter from August 20th, 2020

Dear Munchkin, Today's date is August 19, 2020. We are currently in the mist of the covid-19 pandemic as well as multiple fires around California due to lightning strikes. More news includes the Black Lives Matter Movement, Biden vs. Trump, and people who refuse to wear a mask due to conspiracy theories. Don't forget tiktoks uprising and almost downfall. Growing up, the drama was just family. Now, it's entirely just the outside world. You gotta keep up with the wild ride of whatever this is. I've been ranting for too long, my bad future self. I guess I should get started with the good stuff huh? Let me introduce myself. It's past you, I'm 18 and a sophomore in college. I'm currently in a relationship, with someone who is super sweet and loving. I treasure him so much and look forward to my future with him. I promise to make lots of cute memories that you'll be able to look back on and appreciate. Give him a hug for me okay? Also give your best friend a hug. She deserves it for sticking with you since the beginning of French class. Anyway, I've recently gotten my 2 chinchillas who are less than a year old and I'm kinda struggling due to basically being unemployed. My goal is to make enough money to afford a place with my friends, but who knows if it will happen. I also struggle with my mental health occasionally. I find myself feeling alone and fall behind sometimes. But it's okay. I've changed SO much throughout the years and I've progressed to being a fuller and better version of myself. I strive to point out the toxic attributes of myself that came with my childhood and also be more accepting of others. To never put down other women, to self actualize and find the best in everyone. I also strive to be more knowledgeable in social issues, especially those pertaining homelessness, feminism, LGBTQ+, and racial issues. Remember to not be defensive when it comes to new ideas, be open-minded, and don't be afraid to be wrong. You will continue to grow and learn even as you grow old. If you get kids, love and accept them no matter what. Learn from your parent's mistakes. Give them every opportunity you can, give them knowledge but also space to grow on their own. Even if you think otherwise, you don't know everything. Give them the freedom you didn't have, but be there for them when needed. That was a lot to take in. After reading other's letters, I feel better about pouring my heart out. In all honesty, I'm a lil tired of typing and probably will write another letter when I'm feeling inspired again. I promise to continue loving you and taking the best care that I can so you have the best version of me in the future. I think I'll send this you you around the time of your birthday, right around the time you've graduated college. Think of it as a present from yourself. Happy Birthday cutie. Sincerely, You