To 16 year old me: You're going to be okay.

Dear Emily,

Hello from 10 years down the road. (10 years!!!) I won't tell you where you end up-- that's part of living, but I'll just tell you, it's more and better (but yes, different) than you expected or think you want).You are just at the beginning of your (mis)adventures. Things are going to be very, very good. In fact, things are going to be mostly good. And then there are going to be times that make you wonder if you will get through them. The thing is, Em, You will! You are a tough cookie, and these experiences will make you even tougher. You get the tough spots because you can hack it!

Here's a little secret I've learned recently. You're going to be okay. Everything will be okay, but sometimes the definition of okay is just going to have to change. When the worst thing imaginable happens (and I'm so sorry dear, I wish something I could say would change it, but the worst will happen), it's going to take you a few months to even feel like you might be beginning to be alright, but then things'll happen and you'll sit and sob wondering if you'll ever really be okay. And the truth is, you won't. Things are never going to be okay the way they were before. Things will never go back. But "okay will change". Okay will take on new meaning, and if okay means getting out of bed, putting on a bra and going on with 'normal' life, you will be that. If okay means waking up dry-heaving for months but still working and graduating despite it, or if it means tossing your cookies in front of your class then finishing your presentation. you're okay!

Em, when you go to college a bishop is going to give you some really good advice-- actually, you're going to hear it from two different bishops in two different wards in two different eras of your life at college-- TAKE IT! Both Bishop Fleming and Bishop (can't remember his name) said, over the pulpit: "Don't take yourself too [darn] seriously." Pay attention. Have more fun. We're pretty good these days at taking risks, and at going for what we want. Keep doing that!

There are going to be so many people who love you. So many people in your life who will help you become who you are. Let them help. Don't be too proud to ask for help-- whenever you need it.  And while you're letting people... Don't go through the phase when you're hard on your parents. They're NOT lying when they tell you they want what's best for you. They really are motivated by love. And yes, Dad is ALWAYS going to be right... just trust him and embrace it. Love your family. Just love them and spend as much time with them as possible. This fall when James leaves on his mission and you think that your family will never be the same, you have NO idea how accurate that is. Be grateful for the time you have together. Don't be petty, don't be uptight. Just love them.


You are awesome-- realize it sooner. And don't forget it.

Love,

Emily