A letter from Feb 22, 2023

Dear 21 year old Zach, It's you, from 2023, i hope you have the same email. I'm 18, and I'm writing this at 11pm a day before work. You've made it so, so far, you really have. You've grown so much, and learnt so much. Please, dont start drinking or smoking, and if you already are, please stop. We have dreams, and thatll only hurt us. Stop caring about other peoples opinions, or how they view you, it'll damage your psyche further, and you dont deserve that. You work so hard for everyone and yourself, please dont stress yourself. You want to be a veterinary tech, or already are one, hopefully the latter, so dont give up. People will be smarter and better than you, but thats okay, you're doing your best, thats what matters. Also, please. Call mom, i know its rough with her, but she does love you, so please. Call her and talk to her before its too late. Give dad a break, he bends over backwards for you, so please, give him a hug, tell him you love him. Just do it, before its too late to do so. Transition to male guilt-free, dont feel bad for who you are, hesitating will only make things worse. And please, dont forget your trauma. It isnt invalid, it is real, dont let it get further than what has already happened to us. To me. To you. Youve made such great strides, youve come so, so far, please, thrive and be happy. Itll be hard, there will be days where you want to give up or stop everything, but just take a deep breath and look at where you are, and then where you were. Im not invalidating our feelings, our emotions are valid and our experiences are valid, all im saying is dont dwell on who you were. Be safe, and try to be nice to people, they need it. From: Zach 2023