Dear 2018 me,

You are still a blank slate, a collection of days not yet trodden, so let's make it right this time. Learn to cherish each moment. take time to breathe and look at the things around you. Appreciate. Appreciate. Appreciate. Be grateful. You are more now than you were 5 or 10 years ago. Heck, you are more now than I am. So please, please, don't hurry in life. Keep your footsteps steady, you may find one day that you seem to be moving slowly, and that's okay, as long as you keep moving forward. You may stumble and fall along the way, and that's alright too. I have so many bruises and scars already on my body and my heart, and every time I still try to get back up again. Sometimes I stayed too long on the ground, and I want to tell you that it's okay.

Spend time inspiring and encouraging others. It is worth the investment of time. Be the positivity that the world needs more of. Don't be afraid to stand out and be different. That's okay. Take your time this coming year please. Appreciate life. No rushing forward. Forward is forward. One step is still a step as long as you keep your eyes on your goal. Which reminds me- create goals. Choose happiness. Make happiness one of your goals. And I know you still have that inner compass in you, that inner knowing that makes you know which path to take. Listen to it. Always. It never fails.

And when things get hard and to much to bare, always look and ask for help from Him. Hell, seek Him even on the greatest moments of your life, or during the most mundane periods. Seek Him at all times. If there's anything I have learned this year and that I want you to remember, it is that we have a good good Father in Him. Remember where your help comes from. Pray. Daily. Whether you're happy or not, because He always listens. Every time.

And please know that I am here for you, your past selves, all of us, an accumulation and amalgam of years and experiences, a collection of moments and little joys and sadness. We're all here- making up who you are today, and who you will be in 2018.

And above all, be brave. I know you can do this. I believe in you.

--Wishing you the best in life and love and everything else that your heart desires,
2017 me

P.S. Keep your brain and heart connected at the same time. All the time. It's hard. I know. But those two work wonders together, and not apart.