Dear Me...

If I could write a letter to myself when I was younger I think I would want to give it to my 10 year old self. So, here it goes.

Dear Me,

Things will get better. I promise. You won't hate your family forever. In fact, in time you will learn to love them. Even though your siblings make fun of you and call you names it will only make you stronger. I know that it is unfair that they treat you the way you do, but it's true. You ARE different from them. But don't worry about that, it's a good thing even though you don't feel like it now. The fact that you are not the exact same as them is also a good thing. Don't worry, you will soon be able to more than hold your own against your siblings. And the fact that you like to read is not something to be ashamed of.It benefits you greatly in your future, so keep it up. Whatever you do, don't let others let you feel like you are less than them. It doesn't matter that you aren't best friends with Amy or Brittany or Beth. They won't be best friends with each other in a year. Just stay with the friends who treat you right, don't worry about the others. Be nice to everyone. Everyone. Most people are fighting a very hard battle, and being nice to someone can make a world of difference. Be that difference. And when I say be nice to everyone that includes your family. I know that is not always the easiest thing to do but it will leave you with a clear conscience. Believe in magic. More importantly, believe in God. Ask parents and friends and family questions about your faith. It is natural to be confused and questioning in your faith, but know that without Him you are nothing. Start forgiving your dad now. I know that you barely know him now but you should know that your father will become a pretty big part of your life in the next few years. Just because he is traveling all the time doesn't mean that he doesn't love you. He will prove his love tenfold in the next coming years. This next part is vitally important. Remember your mother as she is now. Thank her for all that she does constantly. For reasons I will not explain on a blog, things will change drastically with her in the future. Just know and remember that she loves you and no matter what she is always that person that first started your love for baking. Things will happen in the future that are out of your control. It is ok to be very, very upset about them. At the same time you have to be able to realize that you cannot do anything about them. You will depends on friends, family, and someone very special in your life to get you through this difficult time. Don't be ashamed of it. Don't be ashamed of her. Talk to her everyday. Let her know that you love her no matter what. And let her know that you are worried about her. Be there for your little brother during all this. He is suffering just as much as you are but he needs you to help him through it. Be strong for him. It will be very rocky for a very long time, but you will get through it I promise. Also, it's ok to be on the slow end when it comes to boys. You will find a very very special someone who loves you for who you are long before most people do. It will be a rocky ride, but well worth it. Don't be afraid of love. I think this letter is long enough, but I want to leave you with some last important things: Everyone is right, your sister WILL be your best friend later in life. You will fight with your parents, but they mean you well. Sometimes life hurts, but it's amazing. And lastly, enjoy the ride. It goes by way faster than you can imagine. It's hard, and sometimes not the most amazing place to be but God has bigger plans for you. Trust Him.

Love,
Yourself