What I'd Tell My Younger, Skinnier, Cancer-Free Self

I have been thinking so much lately about things I wish I would have done, people I would have listened to, and goals I had followed through with when I was growing up. .

I have no regrets. Every broken heart, every tear, every hardship has made me who I am today and I love me. There are however, many things I wish I could tell my younger, skinnier and cancer-free self.

And it goes somethin' like this.

Katie,
You are beautiful, don't ever believe you are not. High School is like a jungle, everyone fights to be the alpha; you don't need to be. You are you, and that is pretty damned good. Girls and boys are cruel, surround yourself with family, they are all you ever need. Don't worry about what people think about you- trust me, they are not around in 10 years. You will one day find true friendship, and when you find it you will know. Don't be a follower, be a leader. Say no, and say it often. Stand up for what you believe in. You are one of the smartest chicks I know (Yep, I am biased) and don't ever let anyone make you feel stupid. Don't feel inferior to anyone, no one is better than you. You deserve good. You deserve love. You will think many many, many, many times that you have found love, but trust me, the minute you have found love, it hits you like a ton of bricks. You will see your future in his eyes and think he is (and always will be) the sexiest man alive. Stand up for what you believe in.  Don't give in and don't give up- ever. Bad things happen because they just do. You didn't do anything to have bad things happen to you; they will make your future so embrace the hardships and grow within them. One of your greatest attributes is that you are a wonderful advocate and have a voice that people love to listen to. Exercise that often. Most women never leave High School; drama is everywhere, steer clear of it. It brings you down. Some of them ooze negativity, stay away from them. Don't waste your time on people that treat you bad. Don't dwell, it wastes time; important time you will wish you had back. The past is your past because it is behind you, your present is here and now and truly is a gift. Stop trying to find the answers to the universe, if it was meant to be known, what fun would life be? You once believed, and not too long ago was it, that dreams do not come true. Look at what you have, and rejoice in it. Your dreams have come true; maybe not the way you wished they had, but they still do. Seize every moment. Cherish every minute. You are a great mother, never feel like you are not giving your all. I don't hear your kids complainin'! Most importantly, never lose faith, never lose hope and never stop loving. I absolutely guarantee that all of those will prevail. Always.

Love Eternally,
Your Older, Fatter, Cancerous Self