Dear Self,

You'll make mistakes. You'll say and do things without thinking them through. You will offend people. Your values will sometimes make others uncomfortable. They have not walked in your shoes. Have respect for the values and lifestyles of others. Don't talk shit.

The most important lesson? If you make a mistake, learn from it. Don't wallow in it, don't fret over how to make it right, don't beat yourself up over it. Learn from it. Grow from it. Move on. Don't cry over spilled milk. Just remember to hold the carton a little more carefully next time, and be glad that the glass didn't shatter.

You're doing just fine in this thing called life. Everyone slips up. Be thankful for your awareness of the areas in which you can grow.

I love you.

Love,

Joella