Letters To The Past: What I Wish I Could Tell My 23 Year Old Self

Dear Sara,

You know what? You look good. You look so much better than you think you do. Trust me--your 33 year old self will be jealous.

Trust yourself. You know how to do your job. It's hard, but you can do it. And those kids that you are working with, well, you don't know the impact that you are having on them. You may never know. But you are definitely impacting them in a positive way. Don't get discouraged.

On the other hand, don't be in such a rush. You're only 23 years old. In the span of an average life, that's not very old. Work will always be there. Responsibilities will always be there. Yes, you should "be responsible," but now is the safest time in your life to take some chances and make some mistakes. Take time for new things: eat things that you never have before, learn something new, buy something frivolous, travel to places you've always wanted to go--you may never have another chance.

Along the same vein, be more open to making new friends. Don't be so shy. Be BOLD! What have you got to lose?

Relish your independence. It won't be long before others are fully dependent on you.

Call your grandparents often. Time moves faster than you think it does. You will never regret spending time connecting with them.

Oh. One more thing. That "hippie" shirt? That's a bad idea. You might want to rethink that one. Because, trust me, someday you will be explaining your fashion choices to people who already think that you don't have a clue. Don't give them ammunition.

You are doing great. Good things are in store for you. Take some leaps.

Sara