I typically don’t write posts that are “deep.” I try and stick to lighthearted topics, but I’ve been wanting to write a letter to my younger self for a while. And I think that it’s nice to show you guys a more serious side of me. This post is inspired by the song “Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe. I know I’m only 17, and I’m still new to this whole life thing, but I’ve learned quite a lot in my seventeen years. I’ve never been the best with introductions anyways, so here’s my letter.

Dear Younger Me,

Hi. It’s me – I mean you..?

As I’m writing this you’re seventeen. Yes, you’re in your senior year of high school and are getting good grades. Yes, you’ve picked the career path you truly want. Things are going good. Please stop worrying. Stop worrying if they’ll think you’re weird if you wear that shirt. Stop worrying about that extra cookie you had yesterday. Stop worrying if ___ is proud of you. Stop worrying.

Seek God, read His word, spend time with Him. If only you’d done this sooner… You would have found your darkness turn to light much quicker. He loves you. He sent His son to die for you. All the guilt and shame that you carry has been washed away by Jesus’ blood. He’s forgiven you, now it’s time for you to forgive you.

Friends will come and they will go. Some people aren’t meant to be in our lives forever, and that’s okay. Some people God has called home. Don’t worry, you’ll see them again. They are looking down at all you’re doing with pride.

Don’t conform. Stand firm in your beliefs, but don’t be so prideful that you won’t see the other side of the coin. Stop living in fear, start living in faith. Believe in the one who created you and be who He made you to be. Wear what you wear. Love who you love. Let go of grudges. Stop striving for perfection. Be who you truly are.

Be empathetic, serve others, show love to all, but know that you cannot perfect others lives. It is not your job to make everything okay for every human being. Ideally, this would be how life worked; unfortunately, it’s just not.

Last but not least, be happy! Life is very short, so stop waiting for tomorrow to come. Don’t ever be ashamed of doing what makes you happy. You only have one life to live, my dear ❤

Love,

Edye

Question time:

What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?