Not What You Expected

Dear 17 year old me,

     I know that right now you have your entire life ahead of you. You have just graduated high school, have your license, and see nothing but freedom and opportunity ahead of you. You plan on marrying your high school sweetheart, having three to four kids, and working in corporate America.
     I am writing to tell you that these things will not happen.
     Your life will not be the picture perfect cookie-cutter life you think you will have. It will be difficult, it will be challenging, and it will test you until you think you are about to burst. It will not be the life you imagined. It will be so much more.
     Your life will be filled with adventure. You will travel over half of the mainland United States and Canada, obtaining a thirst for travel and a plan that encompasses visiting Europe and beyond. You will grow to be stronger than you ever imagined, having a backbone and the belief that it should be used and that you deserve to be heard. You will find a multitude of ways to be self-sufficient, and even start your own business.
     You will have days when you don't believe in yourself, your strength, or your experiences, but you will learn to work through them. On these days most of all, you will see and understand the beautiful people that you have surrounded yourself with, and appreciate every cell that goes into their being. You have these friends to thank for helping you along the way when you falter. Hug them. Love them. Laugh with them. These are some of the people that make everything worth it and help you find your way when it seems lost forever.
     Right now, you are finishing a cross-country road trip with a couple of these aforementioned beautiful people. It is one of the most perfect experiences you could have, and the places you fall in love with will surprise you. You experience ups and downs, but you are happy. Legitimately happy.

- Me