Dear Me,
First and foremost, you have to know that boys will always confuse you. They are the most simple of creatures, yet contrary to what you thought, they don't just stop being hard to read once you get into college.
Secondly, you don't always have to be strong for everyone else. It's okay to have emotions to call your own, and you don't have to fake it for anyone. An amazing woman named Robyn once said, "Crying shows meekness, not weakness." Never forget that.
Being bold does not mean you have to be harsh. There are ways to tell people that they need to back off without ripping them to shreds. Being soft does not make you vulnerable, it makes you approachable!
Divorce is tough, but it is not your fault. Your parents will make their own choices, and yes those choices effect you. But don't you dare let yourself think that they couldn't figure themselves out because of you. They're the adults, you couldn't have changed the outcome whether you were 4 or 18.
Exercise will become your best friend, and the best destresser!! You've come so far from where you were and you know how to never look back!
Forgiveness is your alli. Holding resentment only effects you! And quite frankly, holding grudges isn't sexy, so stop it!!
Older guys are better. And that fact is going to suck until you get out of high school, then you can date whoever you want!
Stop getting out of everyone's way, and giving up what you want just because you don't want to step on anyone's toes. If it effects your happiness and you've got a shot, stomp away!
Love your mom more, because lately you've been doing a pretty sucky job at that. I know you've got your own life, and your own friends, and a job and blah blah blah, but keep in mind that she had her own life once upon a time too, and you came into the picture and decided to poop and pee all over it. And what's worse is that she wanted you to!! Because she loves you, and as much as you'd like to think that she just doesn't get it, she does, but you also owe it to her. You peed on her and spent her money, now pay it forward!
Food is good. Food will always be good! Pizza will never leave you lonely! But moderation is key, sweetie!
Say I love you more often, even if you're angry and don't feel like it, always let the people you love know you love them! Because you don't know what's going to happen in the next minute, let alone the next hour!
Being punctual is important, but it isn't everything!! You can be a couple minutes late here and there, the world will continue to spin! Breathe!!
Family should come first. Always.
And lastly, you are beautiful. You always have been. Sometimes you were only beautiful on the inside, and when the awkward stage was over you were beautiful on the outside too! The only reason you are beautiful is because you know of the goodness of your Heavenly Father. You know of His truth and of the love and light this gospel brings to your life! I know it's hard to look in the mirror and see the good in your body. It's been through a lot! You're basically falling apart and you're only 18 years old! But losing 50 pounds did a lot for you, and you've got a lot to offer! I promise you that you are worth it. And just because someone fails to see your worth, that does not mean that your worth decreases! Someday, someone will finally see you and love you for all that you are and for all that you want to be! No ending up with 47 cats/birds/fish! You're still young, so stop all that "forever alone" crap you go around telling everyone!
Keep your chin up, your attitude positive, and your heart set on The Lord, and you'll turn out just fine! Because, hey, it's worked so far, right!?
Love always,
Me
