As we bring in the year 2022 and I get closer to my 43rd year on this Earth, I think back to my younger self and wonder what would I tell her today. I was such a loner during those teenage years. I played basketball and took art classes. I also read a lot. I was extremely shy and had low self esteem. I just didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere. I wish I knew then what I knew now.

I would tell my teenage self that she is loved. She is loved so much even when she doesn’t feel it. I would tell her to believe in herself. I would tell my younger self to definitely focus on my health a lot more. I would tell her to protect her mental health and that going to therapy is not a terrible thing. Even when in doubts and when people say hurtful things, girl you are really THAT GIRL!