Dear...

... future self

Dear Future Self,

It's a new year. As some people may call it, a fresh start. Well, to me, it's not really a fresh start, but a new beginning. Your chance to make something out of all your past mistakes and past achievements. I wanted to start this letter thread as a therapeutic way to let my feelings out. But it is also about discovering something new about yourself.

Anyway, this letter is to you. I want you to know that you are bound for greatness. Even though you may be confused at the moment with trying out for the college varsity basketball team, or your future path; but it'll fall into place. God will be here with you. I also hope that your faith will continually grow. As it says in 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong."

You know your worth. You don't have to please anyone. You know who matters and who doesn't; who will stick by you and who will not. It's a process and it will take time, but you will get there. Everyone does. Don't let yourself fall into the trap of comparison. Too often we compare ourselves to others so that you can get the validation that you think you want. But it's not true! You are the one that will create the criteria for judgment. Do things for yourself and for your benefit - no one else.

On that note - love. Love is, confusing. For sure, your (past) self still doesn't know the rest of it. Love is like that. Your whole lifetime probably won't cover the wholeness of what love is. But the three most important things you should keep in mind, love needs: communication, trust and effort. If you don't have a significant other yet,  focus on the love you have around you right now. From your family's protection and support to your friend's willingness to help and be there for you, you will know which relationships to keep strengthening. It is those relationships that are worth it.

As for your love life... I don't know why I'm saying this without any experience, but I know you. You want to have that cheesy, romantic, simple, carefree, easygoing relationship. This'll take time and effort. It won't come easy. Nothing worth keeping ever really is. I hope you're prepared to make a relationship work by now. All of your insecurities are one of the things that has been stopping you, but love yourself and you will find that person who will learn to love you no matter what that those negatives are that you think of yourself. And lastly, don't let your fears of a failed relationship hinder you from taking that risk. Just as you easily take a leap and do adventurous activities, jump into love and work for the outcome you want to have.

"Once you start something, don't give up, finish it all the way and finish it strong."
This is the quote that you have live truest by. It has gotten you this far, so I hope it is something that keeps getting you further in life. There are so many goals, so many dreams, so many passions that you have. Sometimes, it is okay to let some go and charge head on towards the others. It's not a loss if you come out getting something else out of it. Things will change. You will be different, so be a better version of yourself in everything you do. All the troubles you face, will come to pass. Minuscule or massive, they are all significant. Just as Maya Angelou said, "Still I Rise." I believe that life is just a chain reaction of events to propel you to move forward.

You are bound for greater things; do not doubt yourself. However, be careful that you are not stepping over someone else; although, I know your compassion and awareness will lead you to be a kind and loving person. So do not change that! The world needs more of it. Be a force touching others even with just one person a day. Your determination to finish will push you through any trial thrown your way. So don't give up, keep pushing, grind until you have no more.

I hope you come back to this in maybe a year or 10. I'm sure this will be just as heartwarming as the graduation letter that I wrote to you the beginning of senior year of high school.

Keep the love,
A