With love, a letter to my past self

 

Dear me,

I know this is long but trust me thoroughly reading the whole thing is worth it. I’m giving you the advice you need to become the best version of yourself. A lot of this is going to sound like a broken record but that’s simply because you’re not listening when told what you need to hear. You’re not always in the right, accept that. It’s better to admit your wrong than trying to prove a narrative you don’t believe. Accepting defeat is going to show a lot of maturity, which would be an impressive trait for you to have at your age.

 Another piece of advice, be the bigger person. If someone were to make up a lie about you and spread that rumor to others, please don’t do the same. It’ll feel good at first, knowing that they got a taste of their own medicine, but when you look back you’ll be disgusted in yourself. My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach knowing I behaved the way I did. It’s a terrible feeling of disappointment and regret, and I hope you won’t understand that feeling. So when it comes to drama and all that sort of stuff, don’t put too much energy into it, it’s going to be annoying but it’s much better to ignore it then add fuel to the fire. 

Be yourself. The opinions and approval of others is holding you back from being you. Your true self is great, embrace it because there’s no one else like it. The people who are sticking around love you for you, not the front you put on for others. When dress down day comes around, dress the way you want to dress. Your confidence is seriously going to skyrocket when you’re comfortable in your own skin, and it’ll be evident to others. So be you because it’s 100 times better than the person you’re trying to be.

Appreciating what you have, another thing you struggle with. You tend to blind yourself with the things you don’t have. There are more valuable things in life that aren’t bought with money, and you’re lucky to already have those luxuries. Your family and friends being a good example. You take advantage of the time you have with them. Life goes on and things change. You never know how long you’ll get to spend with your loved ones, therefore you should put more effort into making every second count. So get off your phone and spend time with your loved ones, especially your feline companion.

I still have a lot to learn but these are the things I find most valuable things to know. I hope you were able to take everything I said into consideration. Become the better version of both of us.

 With love, your future self.

Abigail Ruiz – De La Salle – DMSF