Dear Courtney,
I'm writing to you from the future (it sounds really cool, but it's not). It's 2016 right now, and I have a little list of things to tell you.
There are a few pearls of wisdom that I want to impart on you. The first being that it's okay for things in your life to go slow. It might feel like you're the last person to do or see something cool, but that's okay. It doesn't make it any less special when it does eventually happen.
As cliche as it may sound, you are beautiful. I feel like saying this is really narcissistic and vain but, whatever, I'm rolling with it. You just need to find the confidence within you to take advantage of it. Have we found it yet? Not quite, but we're getting there. We're more comfortable with the way we look now, which is always a good start.
Be determined. Don't give up. Don't settle for something average if you want more. I look back now and perhaps think that school wasn't nearly as important as people make out to you, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try. School helps to shape who you are in so many different ways than just achieving good marks and passing exams. It determines how you learn and therefore how you will learn in the future, as well as reminding you how important it is to cement friendships. Trust me, the friendships you make here are for life.
Things may not always go your way, but you have to remember that these things happen for a reason. It sounds airy fairy and cliche but I honestly believe there is truth to it. Sometimes the things that happen are bad, sometimes they're good, and sometimes they are a blessing in disguise - we can't control that. All part of being human I'm afraid. We'll get there soon though, I know we will.
Don't stop reading. (I hope you read that in your head to the tune of "Don't Stop Believing" otherwise we have less in common than I thought...) Right now we don't have a lot of time to read and we're also really slow at it so I can't stress enough READ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN! Also, write more, and watch more TV shows. Get yourself emotionally involved with the characters because that's always fun. A warning though: The Vampire Diaries just gets worse, so don't pin your hopes on it getting better. You'll probably find that you keep on watching it for longer than you should because of Damon Salvatore and, yes, I suppose he's worth it.
Be more active. Seriously. Just go swimming, or join a fitness class - anything to get you moving and staying fit and healthy. I'm not saying that our weight is a problem right now, but let's just say that we'd like it if we were a tad lighter. Also, ease up on the chocolate and sweets because I'm almost certain that we're addicted to them, and that's not a good thing.
The last thing I want to say to you is to always follow your gut instinct. If something doesn't feel right to you then you do what your gut tells you to do. You're a sensible person, too sensible sometimes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It keeps you safe and safe is good.
Above all, have fun with you're life. You're young, I'm still young (even though the prospect of turning 25 this year terrifies me). Whatever you do with your life just make sure you're smiling through it because nothing is more important than being happy :)
Lots of love,
~ C xxx
