I turned 30 years old last month and it got me into a nostalgia funk. Thinking about high school, my old friends & flames, my ambitions and more. It also got me thinking how much life is not what we expect it to be. That during my younger years, I wasted time and energy on things that are not truly important. So, if you had the opportunity to write a letter to yourself in high school, what would you say? Mine would go something like this:

Dear Joyous,

15 years have past and I’ll be the first to admit that I had these wild visions of what I might be doing at 30, the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met and so much more. Your life is busy, Yes! But, you have been blessed to not have to deal with major real world problems yet. You think at 15 life is tough? Your life is about making good grades, doing chores for an allowance, make it to cheer leading practice on time and navigate the world of bitchy girl gossip. Don’t get me wrong, those bitchy girls were harsh, but that is just the beginning. High school is a training session to dealing with real world problems. But don’t get your panties in a twist, life at 30 is pretty awesome as well. A family, a career and good friends are just some of the things you have to look forward too.

Life comes with many hiccups, big and small but it’s how you respond to those hiccups that will shape who you are. Lets be frank for a minute. You, (well I) are self obsessed when it comes to high school. You want so badly to be a part of ” a clique”. But what you don’t realize, you have your hands in almost every group in high school. The drama geeks, the bookworms, the jocks and even the “Popular” group. You befriend so many people because you are fearful that if you do not, you may not know what people really think of you. You are always wondering if you have the right clothes, the right haircut and if people think you fit in. You are a worrywart. Shit, I still am! Screw that girl. You still don’t fit in. And that’s a good thing. Why do you want to be like everyone else when you were born to stand out?

Something good did come out of you befriending anyone who would listen! You have grown up to be such an accepting person. In high school it’s easy for kids to shy away from that person who is a little different. But not you! You embrace all people.

Another important message I want to send to you is never apologize for who you are. You don’t NEED to stand for one thing. You don’t NEED to be good at only one thing. You don’t NEED to have only 1 career. You CAN have it all. The possibilities are endless. Also, you are very hard on yourself still to this day. Remember what you would always say to yourself when someone bullied you or you were feeling down & out? Bring It back…..because its true and time will show you. Say it with me for old times sake…..” What makes me different, makes me beautiful” . One more time! ” What makes me different, makes me beautiful”. My work here is done.

Love,

Me, You, Us