Letter to My Younger Self

 
As you get older, your character will develop, you will grow, you will adapt to the world around you, you will see things that amaze you, things that haunt you, things that scare you, and things that excite you.  Accept the setbacks, embrace the advances, and work to change the rest. 
 
You will see buildings fall and monuments rise, friendships develop and relationships fail, planes crash and dreams take flight.  Don't allow human cruelty--however large--to poison you, but do allow the gift of human kindness--however small--to change you. 
 
There may be a time when the music is wrong and you're wearing the wrong shoes and you want to sit one out.  Dance anyway. 
 
Learn the difference between giving up and moving on.  Moving on is always okay; giving up never is. 
 
There may be times when you feel shy.  There may be times when you feel self-conscious.   There will be times when it is easy to remain silent.  Speak up anyway, and be grateful you have a voice.
 
Don't let challenges over power you.  Instead, allow them to become empowering.
 
Girls in high school, models in magazines, women in the media--these people will never be portrayed as nice.  Nice guys finish last.  Be nice anyway.
 
The adage is, times will change.  So will you.  But stop every now and then and to take stock.  Remember, there's also an adage not all change is good.  Make sure you're evolving as well. 
 
And finally, whenever you get the chance, eat dessert first.