Dear 18-year-old Bella,
There’s alot I can say. But what I want you to know first and foremost is to t r u s t .
Trust your inner wisdom and trust that everything is going to turn out more than okay. Set goals and expectations but be prepared for the universe to handle the rest.
Along with trusting yourself, here are a few things I want you to know:
- Know your worth and if something (or someone) doesn’t feel right, let them go. The more you let go of toxic energy, the more you open yourself up to love. Don’t settle if you don’t feel right.
- Stay in touch with the people who truly matter. You’ll meet a lot of people throughout your years in school, while you don’t want to burn bridges, make sure you pour into the relationships that are filling you up. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone.
- That boy named Myles? Yeah.. don’t let him go. He might be goofy and “not your type” (side note: your type shouldn’t be the smoothest talker in the room anyways..) but he’s a keeper. He’s going to love you like no other and be your anchor throughout these four years. You both are going to grow independently while growing together and it’s going to be the most beautiful experience.
- Be kind to yourself. There are so many activities and organizations to be involved in and you’ll want to do EVERYTHING but your worth is not wrapped up in what you can accomplish. Take care of yourself first and know that you are already complete as it is. Spend less time “doing” and more time “being”.
- Don’t worry if you change your mind about who you are and what you want to pursue. You don’t owe anybody an explanation. You wanna stay in Friday night? Do it. Want to teach yoga class with zero experience teaching? Say yes and figure it all out later. Interested in photography? Get yourself that camera, girl.
- Sometimes, impulse is good. Like that one time you adopted a dog named Opie from Last Hope. He’s going to be the light of your life and you’re going to give him the best forever home there is.
- Call mom and dad. Do it consistently and often. Your relationship with them is going to get 10x better because you’ll actually notice and appreciate everything they’ve done for you. You’ll even become bestfriends with your mom again. No teenage drama here.
- Party if ya want and experience all that college has to offer but there will come a time when you want to back away from that scene. And that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith and explore new circles. Making friends sober is just as easy as making friends tipsy mkay?
- Yoga everyday like your life depends on it. Anxiety will take over for a few seasons while you’re in school, but don’t lose sight of what’s important and keep yourself grounded. Yoga will help immensely.
- You will create multiple passions and you might feel scatter-brained at times but know that life is all about exploring and not know the answers but doing what makes your heart sing.
- You might fail at times but the lessons you learn are shaping you into who you’re meant to be. Don’t be afraid to mess up, life is a little more interesting that way. Every experience is either a friend or teacher. Nothing less, nothing more.
I could write a whole novel to you but you shouldn’t know the answers anyways just hang in there. Even as a 22-year-old graduate, I still don’t know the answers. I’m simply pursuing what feels right and doing what feels authentic to who I am.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to speak up and shine bright.
You are destined for an amazing four years full of fond memories, growth and joy.
Lotsa love,
Future Bella from 18′
