Dear 18 Year Old Cristina,

You know how you don’t care much for rolls at Thanksgiving, or how you don’t pick up a roll at family gatherings when there’s a meat and cheese plate? You know how you think it’s gross when Dad makes scrambled eggs and toast when Mom’s not home?

It’s because you’ll be diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and you’re allergic to eggs. (And beef, chicken, milk, bananas, carrots and corn.)

You’ll luckily be married to a really awesome guy who is very, very supportive. It’ll make life tougher, but you’ll grow in ways you can’t possibly anticipate right now, and you’ll meet some really great people who are going through the same thing.

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, and try to enjoy the moment more. Go out on a limb and try something new, but don’t be afraid to defend yourself when you know what works for you. Don’t worry so much about what your friends think. Most of them won’t be nearly as important later on in life, and this cool thing called Social Media has yet to really take off. (It helps keep in touch.)

You know how you’re tired all the time? Even though that’s normal for you, it isn’t actually normal, so it’s a good idea to get that checked out. You’ll wish you’d figured that out at the beginning of high school, because feeling better (even though you think you feel fine now) would have made high school better and easier.

And even though night time is YOUR time, try to get as much sleep as you can. You’ll wish later that you had.

Also? You have anxiety (trust me — you do). Start now to teach yourself how to relax. It’ll curb the monumental amounts of stress I’ve been experiencing. Find the things that you like to do, and do them. Keep swing dancing. In a few years (close to ten), you’ll discover some new hobbies (like canning!) that you’ll LOVE. With passion.

Most of all, take it easy on yourself. You’re pretty dang awesome.

Love,
2011 Cristina