A letter from July 26th, 2016

Dear FutureMe, Today, you are eighteen. At this very moment, you have made it through every hurdle in your life so far. You have made it through every mental hurdle, every physical hurdle, every single hurdle you can think of. And your sixteen year old self, your struggling sixteen year old self who one again wears a rubber band for safety in the midst of trying to keep her seven months clean is so, so, proud. It has not been easy. I don't underestimate that the next year and a couple months won't be easy at all. You have two more years of college to go through here in Boringtown. However, recently you got your permit; recently, just yesterday actually, you got your ears pierced. I have faith that you'll finish college well. I have faith that you'll get into FGCU. Go eagles! Do you still bullet journal? Do you still write fanfics? Honestly, I'd ask if you've finished a novel yet, but I know you. It'll be a work in progress that you haven't touched in months. I know you. Be proud of whatever you got down. Please, please, tell me you're still writing. And painting, too. Tell me you're still painting. Maybe you've gotten upgrades, better paints, more brushes, a different technique that makes you happier. Please focus on being happy. On remaining happy. You're living. Celebrate it. You're eighteen now. Remember to live.