We've all done it, looked back and said "If I had a chance, I'd do ________ over." Well, like a great song says, if I could write a letter to me when I was younger it would include the following:

God should never be forgotten or come second to anyone, even if He's not "cool" to your peers
Never be afraid to befriend another
Don't shy away from your good heart or intentions
When you feel like something is wrong, it is
Hug your grandparents just a little bit tighter and a little bit longer, it'll be worth it in the end
It's ok not to go with the flow in high school
Death unfortunately does not discriminate by age. It is real and can touch those you love, even when you're young
LOVE being young and without responsibility, you're going to miss it
Don't be afraid of people. Behind each bad intention lies a deeper fear. Reach out to those you naturally fear, it could change their life, or yours.
Don't judge based on looks, money, or reputation. You aren't fit to judge, anyway. Love everyone.
Being different doesn't mean you're weird. It means you know who you are and accept it.
Realize how amazing your family is. Many are not so lucky as you.
NEVER tell your parents you hate them, even if you are furious. They will turn out to be some of your best friends.
Be patient for your husband, it's worth it
Act on your passion for music, you won't regret it.
Don't be discouraged by others' judgements against you. It reflects insecurity in themselves.
Always, always, always dance.
Stand up and speak out against injustice against others.
Tell your friends what they mean to you every chance you get.
Always let your family know you love them.
Learn from everything.
Listen to your heart, not the chorus.
Life experiences are not nearly as rich as they're made out to be in college. Spare yourself.
Set yourself apart, you're called to it.
Enjoy every moment you're blessed with.
You will grow up to live a life you don't expect, but love passionately.

You know what I love about being an adult? I can be who I want to be.
You know what I'm discovering? Life as an adult is less about what you want to be and more about who you're made to be. It's all a bit ironic. But such is life. Live it well, you only get one shot at it.

Cubicles

We all live in cubicles.
As humans, it's comforting to build up walls and maintain a safety zone- far enough away that others can't quite reach you unless they have the secret password.
The problem is, the password is denied far too often.
Why be vulnerable and let someone in? We know ourselves, that's good enough. Not everyone needs to know everything about us.. or most things about us for that matter.
Well, I've made a discovery. You see, my cubicle flooded today with the real frustration I held against someone I cared about. I wanted to share it, but to do so, a wall would have to come down, and I might leak a little *eek* honesty. And that can be embarassing.
Yet when I realized that I was drowning in this pool of concern for my friend, I realized that it may just be better to reach out and fish for a lifeline. I took the chance of crumbling our friendship by bearing my honest opinion. I held my breath, praying for just a few more minutes to try to float before our friendship sank.
Then it happened.
A rope was thrown in and I was pulled out of my proverbial box. I was forced to face a friendship like a friend, not a coward. They welcomed my opinion with open arms and mind. They thanked me for sharing with them.
This is one of many epiphanies I've had to face with reluctance and fear, only to be pleasantly surprised: true friendships can withstand honesty, if it is born of true concern for the good of others.
I think I kind of like it out here, away from the safety zone. It's a bit scary, I feel vulnerable, but I think it's time I step out of myself and begin to live and love like I was always meant to: in the presence of those who matter most.

My fingers lay upon ivory and jet black steps
I feel my heart skip with anticipation
It begins to burst at the seams
Expelling all that I feel within me
Yet can't seem to find words to express
Like an enchanting spell, I am caught up
Only this moment exists
My hands dance and my soul smiles
A reflection of a newfound love
In this gale of emotion I wonder
How did I ever live without this?