Dear Future Me

Dear 5 year old Nicole:

Chill out dear. You're going to be doing this school thing for a long time, so try not to be so intense about it. It's okay that you can't tie your shoes. But they aren't lying to you about how to do it, as you accuse them. Just take a deep breath and trust them. And don't lie to your teacher by having your friend tie your paper shoe for you. She'll find out later that you cheated, and it will be embarrassing.

Dear 8 year old Nicole:

I know that this year really truly ishard. That Julie girl will move away next year and you'll never see her again, so just stick your tongue out at her and move on. Don't be so proud of yourself (see chill out about school advice above).

Dear 9 year old Nicole:

With the school thing? Again, chill out. And getting a B on your behavior folder is okay. And that new girl with the same name? She's going to date your brother for 3 years in the future, so do whatever you can to make her not hate you for the rest of elementary school. That won't be easy. Oh, and don't perm your hair. It's naturally curly. You have my permission to tell your mom that she's crazy and that she doesn't understand because of her stick straight hair.

Dear 11 year old Nicole:

On that one day in the spring? Don't wear white shorts. And do wear underwear. And stay away from that math teacher guy. He's creepy.

Dear 12 year old Nicole:

I love you and I promise life is so much better than 7th grade. Oh, and that other girl named Nicole? Be nice to her even when she makes your life miserable. Remember what I said about her dating your brother in the future? Still true. Still intense about the school thing, it's okay, you are not what you do. Those questions you ask about God...well, everyone asks them. Ask away, he can take it.

Dear 13 year old Nicole:

I love you, and I promise life is so much better than 8th grade. When they ask you if you want to skip this grade, actually consider it before saying no, because this year is going to be a lot harder on you than you could possibly imagine. And don't be in such a hurry to get kissed. It will happen, it will be wonderful, and you have plenty of time for that.

Dear 14 year old Nicole:

Whew, you made it to high school. Enjoy the next 4 years, you're going to do great. (Oh, and have fun with that Matt guy, but don't let yourself think you're going to marry him...that's just silly.) Remember when I said that Nicole girl would date your brother? It's about to happen. Stick up for yourself more, and talk to your brother about how she treats you at school. Actually talk to your brother period, he loves you and will be around for the long haul. She'll go away eventually.


Dear 15 year old Nicole:

Don't date that Michael guy. He's not good for you. And still date that Levi guy, but break up with him a lot sooner..way before you get stupid. And that Nicole girl? Ignore her. Enjoy this time with Ms. Ivens and Ms. Godsey. They'll both die before you're 30 and before you tell them how important they were to the woman you've become. Thank them now, in advance.

Dear 16 year old Nicole:
Didn't you hear me? Break up with the Levi guy. Oh, and when you date Josh to get over Levi? Be nice to him. He's a great guy, even if he's not the one for you. Don't buy that Ford Tempo, it's a piece of crap. Try for a car whose horn works. Spend less time worrying about your hair. It's more beautiful now that it will ever be again. And enjoy those firm thighs. You are beautiful.

Dear 17 year old Nicole:
Don't skip Governor's School to do Junior Miss. Apply for the humanities school instead of the sciences. I promise, you'll be better off. And that Mike guy? That's going to turn into a messy unhealthy thing. Just don't date him. It's better that way. Try being single for awhile. Go ahead and plan a senior trip away with your brother, because that Nicole girl? She's going to burn him and screw you out of a senior trip with all of your friends. Prepare for it. Mostly, they weren't real friends anyway. Be yourself, pleasing others is not what it's cracked up to be.

Dear 18 year old Nicole:

Break up with Mike already. Kiss that guy who is your best friend, because you'll always wonder "what if." Don't join that big box Southern Baptist church, you'll understand why later. Reach out to people more, make your own friends. Stand up to your roommate, she's taking advantage of you. You are special, beautiful, and wonderful, and no matter what stupid things you do, tell your parents, they'll still love you. Oh, and that Mike guy? Kick him in the balls for me one good time, because he's going to do some things where he deserves that and more.

Dear 19 year old Nicole:

Still no major? Quit worrying. It will all work out, I promise. And don't date that Chad guy either. Try out for the softball team. You probably could have done it. And take a psychology class already. Oh, and it's called PCOS, you're not crazy, you have an illness that is treatable.

Dear 20 year old Nicole:
This year is going to be a good one. Have fun with that guy you're dating, he's going to be an awesome husband. Enjoy flag football this year, you're going to win the championship. Grow out your bangs. Try to relax and be yourself. I know it's hard. This school thing? You're still intense, just let it go a little.

Dear 21 year old Nicole:
Spend less time planning your wedding and more time having fun. Again, Grow out your bangs. I'm glad you're getting healthy, but focus more on how great you feel and less on how much you weigh. Grow out your bangs. Go to therapy more consistently, you're going to need it in the coming years. That school you visited near Chicago? Quit worrying about getting in, it's going to happen and it will be some of the best years of your life. Yes, you're marrying the right man.


More later....