Dear Me,

Dear 5 year old self,
It's okay that you want to take your blanky with you to kindergarten. Enjoy that moment when you longed to just be at home so much that you just wanted to take it with you.

Dear 8 year old self,
You don't need to get attention by looking down on yourself. You may by one of 4 Haley's in your class and that cute boy didn't know which one you were, but you were you and that was enough. And you are special. Take the time to spend time with Grandma Dixie, for this is the oldest she will ever see you get.

Dear 12 year old self,
You are a sixth grader. You are on the top of the world without any cares in the world. Enjoy that and soak it in. Because that is the last time you will really feel like that. Oh, and it's okay that you are moving. It's time for better things. And you meet some of the most influential people in your life. Your life is about it change for the better.

Dear 13 year old self,
Enjoy 7th grade. You are going to meet your best friends this year. Have fun. Don't worry so much about being part of the in crowd. You'll get your shot. You don't need any hints for this year. You do a good job adjusting and staying true to you.

Dear 15 year old self,
Watch your ego this year. Yes, it will be very successful for you. You get the lead in the school play and one of the top 3 guys in school. But remember who you are and what you stand for. And it's a good thing you never kissed that boy. But it's a good thing you dated him. He taught you about heart break and you needed that.

Dear 16 year old self,
Stop being dramatic. Your dad didn't ruin your birthday but it was important that you got that cry in. New York is going to change the way you see the world and you are going to be convinced that it's the most perfect place in the world. You are going to get kissed this year. Good job for waiting until after you were 16 though! You are going to be self conscious that you are a bad kisser. You're not. He attacked you and it wasn't fair. Be careful with your friends. Include everyone.

Dear 17 year old self,
Getting mad at Mike and Alicia is really not going to do you any good. It creates a lot of drama and breaks up a lot of friendships that will never be the same. You do however meet some people that you need to. Just be careful and don't take so many things for granted. You get your first boyfriend too. It's nothing like you imagined. So don't get your expectations up too high.

Dear 18 year old self,
Senior year is going to change your life. You are going to realize that even though you wanted to fit in with the cool people and be popular, you were in your own way. Choir is what makes you happy. The people in there, the friendships you make and even the leadership position that you hold. San Francisco is exactly what you needed to see. The bustle of the big city has you on cloud 9. Don't forget how much you loved it and how much you want to live there one day. Breathe in every moment because it is gone too fast. Everything is easy and planned for you even though you may not realize that. You may be ready to get out of there but you only get that once. So use all of it up. You handle graduation very well. You even remembered to take it all in for once and feel completely happy. It's bliss. You did it. Congrats.

Dear Freshman year self,
Moving out will be all too easy for you. You were ready to go. But only because the people closest to you were going with you. Your roommates are everything you needed. You will fall in love and you will fall in love hard. Remember to make time for some other people. You'll need them later. Be sensitive to the feelings of those around you. And be careful. Be careful in everything you do. It's okay to break the rules sometimes but realize when it's too far. Have some courage. Appreciate this year. For it is absolutely perfect.

Dear Sophomore year self,
This year is when it all begins. And ends. You are thrown into a whole new situation. Where you feel completely alone but those around you seem to have it all figured out. Be you though. You have to meet new people this year. You don't have a choice. It is going to scare you. You don't know what kind of people you'll meet or what role they will play in your life but be open to change. You may not be destined for the life you have planned. Find yourself this year. Take chances. Good Luck.

Dear Future self-
I hope your life is everything you've ever wanted and more. That you've figured out a career, graduated college, traveled, that you are married, maybe have some kids. Mostly, I hope you are happy and enjoying yourself. I hope you haven't taken anything for granted, that you've made it gracefully through your trials and stayed true to what you believe in. Let me in on any secrets you can or just some helpful hints.

Love,
Haley