Happy 18th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Me! You turned 18 by the time this letter reached you! You are officially an adult! In 2021 you couldn't wait to be 18 and now you're 18! Pretty sure you had a lecture from mom about being mature and responsible. I want you to know, you are going to nail it. Live the moment, because you are not going to get it back. You only live once, enjoy it. Don't worry so much about who likes you or doesn't like you. Believe in yourself and try not to compare yourself to others. Who bothers if some Josh doesn't like you back or some Lily called you ugly. Don't back out from anything, show them you can do it! Be there for your friends when they need you, and stick to your word. Pay attention to who your real friends are and make sure they know how much your value them. Stop being so hard on yourself and know that it’s okay to be vulnerable and show weakness. Always remain yourself, the kind self, the adventurous self. There are far bigger plans for you than what you can imagine right now. Keep working hard, you can achieve your dreams! Don't forget to do things off your bucket list, maybe add more. Travel out of the country, try amazing food, see incredible sights and ruins and paintings and buildings that will take your breath away. Travel to different cities, dance your a$$ off at concerts, and have moments of pure bliss, feel euphoric. Did you stop being an over-thinker? If you didn't embrace it. It has probably made you a person who cares and loves very deeply. Chances are you’re still emotional as hell. No surprise there. Learn that your emotions are your strength and bless others with this. You will (might have) lose friends, but remember you will also make friends that you never thought you would, friends that understand you on the deepest levels, that make you laugh and cry and love yourself. You will be okay. And you are okay. Right where you are. Right now. So breathe, keep doing your best, and enjoy just being. If you ever break down, change into your hoodie and get yourself a bucket of ice cream, it will fix everything. Love, Your older self