Letter to my current self [from my future self 40 years from now]

Dear Young Adult Charley,

Everything you're struggling with and all of the trials you've endured have purpose, will help other people, and are preparing you for greatness and a brighter future than you could ever imagine.

I know it feels as if the pain you're feeling (physical and emotional) is never going to end.

I know it feels like depression is going to kill you.

That's a fear that haunts you.

It's healthy to be afraid once in a while--it means you've got something worth losing.

It's when your fears dictate your life that it becomes a problem.

BE F E A R L E S S

BE U N S T O P P A B L E

BE R E S I L I E N T

BE THE B A D A S S P R I N C E S S you are

Learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. 

Here's the thing about pain: pain demands to be felt.

Running, hiding, and trying to bury it will only make it worse. 

Feel the pain; process it; use positive coping skills and reach out to others to help you through it.

...

and then let it g o

You are stronger than it, than your depression, than anything.

Remember: Heavenly Father, hope, and faith are stronger than doubt and fear.

The biggest piece of advice I could give you is this: happiness comes from within.

Learn to love and accept yourself so the life you dreamed of can begin.

You already know how to treat others: with unfailing kindness, a forgiving heart, and LOVE. 

Now you need to treat yourself the way you treat everyone else.

Live your life for you.

Don't do what your parents want or your friends or anyone else.

Do what is right for Charley, what Charley wants, what Charley needs, and what makes Charley happy.

We are all broken to be rebuilt stronger.

Forgive yourself.

No one is perfect and mistakes help us grow.

Don't dwell on things you can't change and don't live in the past.

Focus on the here and now, mindfully, and making the best of the time you have and your future will be incredible.

You're still a beautiful princess.

Like my new Taylor Swift tattoo: "I hope you remember today is never too late to be brand new."

It's never too late to begin again.

One day your future husband will find you.

One day you will change the world.

Believe it.

<W/L3

Future You 

 "If you want to know what it's like to survive hell and still come out shining brighter than the sun, just look into the eyes of a woman who has survived intense damage and refused to allow it to destroy her softness."
-Nikita Gill

 Here is a girl with a head full of magical dreams, a heart full of wonder, and hands that will shape the world.

I feel a responsibility to do what's upstanding and right.

 She's got that whole purpose driven warrior badass princess save the world type thing.

And then you realize that thing you have been longing for is you.

 Born 10/14/1989

Act like a superhero [creating a life that has you waking up in giddy disbelief that you get to be you].