A letter to my younger self

To a very much younger me,

Right now (as you see it) is the best time of your life, and you are close, but you have better times ahead. Stop and enjoy all of these moments. Dont fret about highschool,college is where you find your self. Try not to care so much about what people think. You won't talk to most of them in 10 years anyways.  Be silly with your best friend, it is okay to not look cool all of the time.
 Also, YOU ARE NOT FAT. You are beautiful. You will dream of being the weight you are now. Wear a bikini, and stop being insecure about it. Dont stop working out  and go explore the town you are living in. Enjoy being away from "the bubble" you have always known.
 The people that you think are "nerds" will be your boss one day, so be nice to everyone. Maybe crack a smile every now and then. Introduce yourself to strangers. Your views will change from how you were raised, and it is okay. Be yourself. Be genuine. Be nice.
All the advice your parents gave you? I hate to say it, but they are right. Except curfew, their curfew is still ridiculous. Visit your grandparents often, and hug them...a lot, your friends can wait. Your sisters are your best friends, and your mom becomes one as well. Turn to them, because life will get rough.
When it comes to love...stop looking for it. Also, stop making out with guys at bars...you are kind of slutty. Chill. Realize your worth. Your husband will come to you, and he will have a black eye.
When you meet this guy, it will be the craziest feeling.  Do me a favor, wait to be with him. Let him figure life out a little bit, and maybe mature some. When he does mature, he will be the greatest decision of your life. When you fight with him, choose your words wisely. He will push you to be a better person, and you will hold him up when he falls. He is your soul mate, treat him like he is.
You aren't as terrible as you think you are. Stop being so hard on yourself. You have an amazing life.
 Most importantly, keep a strong hold on your faith. It will carry you through loss and gain.  God didn't intend for  your life to be just like your friends. The road you are traveling is different, and probably more adventurous.
Last but not least, love and walk your dog as much as possible. Lola will be your companion for many years.

To my younger self, enjoy being young. Stop stressing about getting married and having kids. Explore. Love hard. The drama is not worth it, and dont worry you get everything you want.
Eat whatever you want, your metabolism is incredible right now.

Take care of yourself.

Love,
An older, wiser, and saggier version