A {letter} to Me

(Listen to the song first)

Brad Paisley is one of my favorites. . . =)

I still need to blog about my flight madness this past week. You guys have no idea... it was the worst bad luck i have ever had in my entire life.

Anyways. . . while i was on the 4.5 hour flight from Honolulu to LA last night, that song came on my ipod.

I'm going back to Georgia this weekend. And i've also visited and come into contact with a lot of old friends since I've gotten my mission call.

This song made me decide to blog about what i would write to myself if I could send a letter back.

Dear Steph,

You're 15, in middle school, and having a hard time with your friends. You don't feel appreciated and you've never felt like you've fit in with that crowd. You wanted to be popular so bad that you almost lost yourself on the way. Don't worry little girl, the Lord has an even bigger plan for you than you have for yourself.

When you find out about moving to Georgia, don't get caught up in saying goodbye. You'll be back. Don't worry about your friends forgetting about you, because you've made one of the best friends you'll ever have. Always tell Jazmin how much she's meant to you throughout all of it.

Stop talking to Matt, it only ends up making your life complicated. and make friends in school. Chattahoochee is scary, but it will become one of the greatest things you'll ever have experienced. Cherish seminary, sister Yates, and spending time with Mariana, Jenn, Ash, and Rachel.. because the summer will bring massive changes.

If i could tell you one thing to do in the summer of '06, it would be to figure out now how much your parents care about and love you. Always remember that mom wants what's best, not to torture you and keep you away from Josh. Keep Jazmin close and tell her that she's more important than anyone.

Your Junior year is the hardest of the three. Get out of the house, talk to people in school, and make friends. Girls have talked behind your back, and you've lost every friend in your ward, but this will make you stronger than anything. Keep talking to Courtney because you both help each other through some of the hardest lessons life has to offer.

Tell Andrew that you like him, and have the confidence to date him. Pay attention in math, and remember that Coach Dell loves you, he will always be there to help you.

When you meet Weston Goggins, write it in your journal. He'll become one of the best friends you'll have. You, Weston, Nathaniel, and Garrett will create some of the greatest memories that you'll remember in high school. Have fun, and don't stress about relationships. Have the confidence to be yourself and to not date when you don't need to. Stay close to Arielle, she needs you just as much as you've needed her.

The end of your senior year will be filled with so much fun with Weston and Nathaniel. When you go to Portugal, appreciate the culture and be patient. Don't worry about saying goodbye to Weston or Nathaniel, but appreciate Georgia and all it has given you. You've never been afraid of making the decision to go to BYU Hawaii, all you feel is excitement and later on you'll look back and feel so much satisfaction with the way you felt and how it all came together. You don't know a soul, but will make friends almost instantly and the Lord will bless you with the amazing friends you've always prayed for.

Remember to be happy, remember to not make things a bigger deal than they are, and stay close to the Lord.

Don't get caught up in dating and getting married, just enjoy college life and all of the friends you've made.

Study more, and play harder. Take lots of pictures. Hawaii is an amazing blessing.

Texting Danny isn't as important as all of the fun you'll have with Chantal, Bree and Erin in the Casa, remember that they are always there for you.

Soon you'll be frustrated, scared, and really in love. Don't be afraid to say what you feel, and listen closely to the spirit, don't ignore the promptings but trust in your heavenly father's plan for you. You'll make it out alive, i promise. Don't be quick to get upset, Quit talking, quit worrying, and have the confidence to be happy. Serving a mission is something deep down you know you want to do, don't be afraid to make that decision. You've always known that everything will work out how it should. Have Faith and Hope in your future :) you have a lot going for you.

Love, your future self. =)