Dear Self-

Dear Stubborn Self,

Why can you not take your own advice? Stop being so stubborn and talk to yourself how you talk to your best friend. That beautiful mind in between your two ears is actually not your enemy; start acting like it. Here's some advice and words of wisdom I am bestowing upon you.... And self, read all the way through. I know how you like to skim important documents. 

1. Stop being so hard on yourself. Seriously, stop. ((There you go again.)) Try looking in the mirror and liking what you see, not analyzing what you see. 

2. Keep working out. But don't just work out for the "WOW factor" for everybody else. Work out for yourself. For your health. For your personal satisfaction. 

3. Please, please come to grips with the fact that not everyone has the same heart as you. &&that's okay. Try to understand where other people are coming from and help people understand where you are coming from. Be patient when dealing with matters of the heart. 

4. I'll try to be lay this one on you as nicely as humanly possible. It's Selfie-Sunday...Not Selfie-MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday 

5. Codependent relationships will never work. Being needy, clingy, and insecure is not only annoying, but it is disrespecting yourself. You are a gem in this big world. A rare beauty that has a sense of humor, crooked teeth, a giving spirit, intelligence, and the biggest heart. Not everyone has that to offer, especially crooked teeth. Ha, okay, maybe what I'm getting at is someone should not only accept your flaws, but cherish them. They will never lie or hurt you. Remember you're own worth always.

6. You simply cannot own the entire Humane Society in your apartment. I'm sorry. 

7. Remember that the only person responsible for your happiness is you. 

8. You are allowed to have other clothes in your wardrobe other than teal, turquoise, and mint. Psht. Who am I kidding?! GIVE ME ALL THE MINT CLOTHES NOW! 

9. Cleaning is actually a healthy part of being an adult. I know you will never love it, but you HAVE to do it. Calling a room an "organized clutter" does not make it pass as organized, sorry. 

10. Go do things by yourself for goodness sake! Want to see a movie nobody else does? More popcorn for you! ((And you won't even have to feel a twinge of guilt for getting the popcorn man to add in layers of butter in sickening amounts)) Which by the way, he should get a pay increase for making that happen. 

11. It's okay to cry it out. Just don't live there. Don't camp out in your room with your besties Ben &Jerry and endless seasons of Netflix. Cry it out, and then work it out. Period.

12. Remember the saying, "Work like it's up to you, pray like it's up to God?" It's a good one- use it. 

13. Stop relying on your memory for everything. It's terrible when you need it most. Write important things down, promise it will pay off. 

14. Put yourself first. It does not make you selfish to think of yourself and do what is best for you. Again, you are not selfish for thinking of yourself. Wait... Let me tell you again, it does not make you selfish to think of yourself. Got it? 

15. And lastly, take the time to do one thing every day that you love, just for you. Refill your soul and rejuvenate your weary mind with things you love. 

Sincerely,

You.