Dear Future Me,

Considering my current impression of my past self and looking ahead to you, I realize that you may think of me as immature or inexperienced compared to yourself. Though that may be true, I know you well enough to know that you still carry my constant companion in your back pocket at all times; regret. We all have regrets, and for me, they seem infinite; my continuous battle with regret has held me back from reaching peak emotional maturity, and I fear it will continue to do so. As I go into my next year of high school, I don't know whether to look forward to the friends I will make or dread the scars I will end up with. I wonder if I continue to regret the hundreds of embarrassing social situations I will endure, the awkward confrontations with my ex-best friend, the missed opportunity to join that school club years ago, or the fact that I didn't cure cancer at the age of 12, just as I have done in the past. I hope to find the off switch in my brain so I can stop my mind from drifting off to the land of regret and humiliation every time I am caught off guard. I hope I have realized that being content with my identity is the key to succeeding. After all, no tree can ascend to heaven without its roots descending to hell. As Louis K.C. once said, "If you went back and fixed all the mistakes you made, you erased yourself." After reading this, I urge you to reflect on the illustrations we have worked on and the journeys we have taken throughout our lives. To appreciate the mistakes and triumphs that delicately strung together the compassionate, vibrant, and beautiful person you have become. I hope you can one day send a letter back once you have conquered regret. But for now, the battle continues.

Sincerely,

Your Former Self