Dear FutureMe

So the following is from an amazing website that I stumbledupon back in 2009. This website allows you to write letters that will be sent in email form to yourself and others. You write what you want to say, pick a date at least a year in the future and send it out.

This letter I wrote to myself last year. I had received a letter I had written to myself in 2009 and I logged back on to the website to write another.

But the coolest thing about this website is you forget what you write to yourself. Life happens in the year(s) that intervene and when you finally get the letter snuggled in your email, you are touched by the things you said to yourself. I received this one this morning and I shed a tear. What I wrote to myself made me smile, laugh, think and inspired me to keep doing what I am doing. If you want to read, it is below.

The following is an e-mail from the past, composed 11 months and 29 days ago, on May 19, 2012. It is being delivered from the past through FutureMe.org

Dear FutureMe,

First off, you should have graduated college by now. Congratulations if you have. If you haven't, there better be a good reason missy!

Life is interesting. I say this because as life has passed us (as in you and I...which is just me), many things have happened and well "we" have learned some amazing things about ourself and the world.

I hope that when you get this email, you haven't lost track of what you want to do with your life. I hope this finds you in a wonderful happy place. I hope that you are finding solace in the life that you are beginning to lead and have found a way to finally leave the past behind. Just about a month ago, you outed the whole family and they all became very upset with you. I'm curious if things have changed with that relationship or if you're still living at a distance that you have been for the past month now.

Sometimes, the truth hurts. Remember that. And if you aren't on speaking terms with them, don't worry about it. If they matter and they care, they will eventually come around. Right now, remember that you have some amazing friends that you have made into your family.

And an amazing boyfriend. I am curious if you and Kevin are still together a year from now. I sure hope so! If you are, you'll have been together for over a year (17 months to be exact) and well, that is awesome. I really hope that the promise you made him on March 15, 2012 stays true, because he is such a gentleman and so perfect for you.

And Zac, I hope you are still really good friends with him. He makes you think, constantly. And that's not a bad thing, don't get me wrong. He has found a way to bring you out of the pain that you have been dealing with for years and finally make you strong and brave enough to face it (instead of burying it in the deep hole that you had for years).

Right now you are probably trying to figure out what the hell you are going to do with you life now that you have your Bachelor's Degree. Just remember to take each day as they come. You can only do so much, and focusing on tomorrow (which is probably what you're doing a lot of right now) will make you forget what is happening right in front of you. Yes, good luck with whatever the world takes you, but also don't let it all pass you by. Enjoy your days, smile often, laugh tons and be happy.

And also remember that life isn't fair. I know, cliche. But, you of all people should understand this one. You're a fighter. You've beaten the odds in many different ways. And you know what, you'll keep beating those odds if you keep your wonderful attitude that you have now. Know that right now you may experience a lot of rejection as you try to find a job that will become your career. Don't settle. Keep striving for the best. You are worth it and YOU deserve it. You haven't fought this hard and this long to just give in to what's easy. Make a difference because YOU can.

This may be a great time to look back at your life. Think of the people you have love and lost. Think of the people you have met along the way who have changed you. This may be the perfect moment to thank them for everything they have done. Take time, make some calls today. I'm sure that they will appreciate it, and it'll make you realize that you have met some amazing people in your life and will keep meeting and finding friendships in wonderful people.

And just remember to relax and enjoy the ride. Remember to not sweat the small stuff because in the end, it doesn't matter. It's all small things, life goes on, troubles come and go. Remember that you always have people to lean on and that when the going gets tough, don't be afraid to ask for help.

And be happy. That's all the matters in the end. Be happy.

Lots of love and good luck in the future.

Your past self