A letter from Sep 04, 2022

Dear FutureMe, Hey, girlypop. Happy 21st. This letter is coming to you from the first week of your senior year of high school -- whoop whoop. Can't say things are going great, but I'm thinking of you for that exact reason. I hope you're on a path you're happy with, whether that be a college or whatever else an early twenty-something might be doing. I hope you're staying true to your identity, enjoying life while keeping the future in mind, etc, etc. I don't know what the world will be like in three years, and it frightens me when I think about it too hard, but whatever life throws your way, I know you'll handle it with grace and a level head. Remember: - In the wise words of Cheryl Strayed, “Stop worrying about whether you’re fat. You’re not fat. Or rather, you’re sometimes a little bit fat, but who gives a ****? There is nothing more boring and fruitless than a woman lamenting the fact that her stomach is round. Feed yourself. Literally. The sort of people worthy of your love will love you more for this, sweet pea.” - Don't settle for people who make you bring you down, no matter how funny or smart or pretty or cool they might seem. - You don't have to know exactly how the rest of your life is going to play out. In fact, it's probably better if you don't. Embrace the unknown. It's time to trust the future. - Stop feeling sorry for yourself. The only person who can save you is you. You have more power than you realize. - Keep writing. Always keep writing. Also, a quick reminder for this specific birthday -- I know society says getting hammered is the thing to do on this particular night, but don't do it if you don't want to. Please. Always yours, Alice a few weeks before 18