Unsolicited Advice

Dear 22 year old me,

I saw a girl who looked like you on the train today. She's so beautiful and she doesn't even know it, just like you. She is modest and practical, just like you. She is shy and quiet, just like you.

If I could give her some random, unsolicited advice, I would say this:

You have everything you need within you. All the happiness, confidence, and self-worth you'll ever need. Reach down within you and harness it. Own it. Honour it. Be it.

You are genuine and kind. Embrace that. Don't let anyone take that from you. Don't put walls up. You don't need to protect your heart because your heart is strong. It has weathered many storms and it will weather many more. You can take it.

Stop hiding your beauty from the world. Your body is perfect the way it is. No matter what size, shape, or colour you are right now, You. Are. Beautiful.

Don't EVER be sorry for being confident. Some people will try to tell you that you are conceited or vain or full of yourself. But that is a reflection of them, not you.

Don't EVER feel guilty for taking care of your needs. Some people will try to tell you that you're selfish or entitled or self-centred. But this is also a reflection of them. Not you.

Be compassionate with these people and forgive them, but do not allow them to take up any more space than that.

Raise up those you care about. Walk away from those who do not do the same for you. If you feel too heavy interaction after interaction, it is ok to let go.

Follow your instincts. Don't always take the easy road. Things worth doing are worth working hard for.

The universe is trying to guide you. Don't fight it. You'll get where you're going either way, but resisting is the longer, harder road.

Stop laying awake at night worrying about death. Sleep well and then go out and LIVE your life to the fullest. Every day.

Learn from your pain. It sucks so bad when you're in the thick of it, but like I said, you're strong. You'll get through it. You'll grow through it. You'll be better for it.

You don't know everything at 22. You won't know everything at 32 either. You'll know a little more. And that will be enough for the present. But keep learning. Keep growing. Keep striving to be better, smarter, and stronger each day.

Be kind. Be love. Be you. Always.