Shoot for the stars...

Dear Little Jess,

You are SO loved. There will be times in your life when you will question this, but you are.You are the sunshine in so many people's lives. God has BIG plans for you. Bigger than you can ever imagine or dream of. Trust this. Trust yourself.  Never settle for anything less that what you give. You are worth it. You are smart enough, good enough, pretty enough. Anyone who tells you otherwise isn't worth having in your life.

Enjoy being little. Someday will become an actual day before you know it. You will make mistakes. When life knocks you down, pick yourself back up and try again. Don't ever give up, EVER but realize that some things you need to just let go of. Your heart will be broken a time or two. It's ok. It will still beat. You will get through it.  Be choosy. It's ok to be selfish sometimes. Don't compare yourself to others. Some days you are ahead and others behind. It's ok to be different. Only you are responsible for your happiness. 

Guard your heart. Listen to your head more. Never apologize for how you feel but realize when you need to apologize. Be honest. Be true. Be uniquely you. Life is short. Live in each moment. Be thankful. Be grateful. Give back but allow others to take care of you when you need it. It's ok to ask for help. Love always. Forgive when you need too, this includes yourself. 

Remember that your parents are human and will make mistakes. They love you. One day you will look back and realize just how much they sacrificed for you. Remember to thank them. You will ultimately end up like your Mother. It's not a bad thing. Life is what you make of it. Enjoy YOUR journey. You are special. You are beautiful. You matter. You are YOU.

Love, Future Jess

 

Dear Present Jess,

Look at you! All grown up! Remember when you wanted to rush to this point!?! Now you're here and you are doing a pretty good job!! Remember your hopes and dreams? They may have shifted a bit in the growing up process, but they are still there. Don't give up. You are smart enough, good enough, pretty enough. You are loved. Keep your chin up and continue to reach for those stars. Continue to trust the process, the journey, YOUR journey. You are uniquely you. Own it.

Love,

Yourself