A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to LGBT students in New York City about self-esteem and developing a positive identity. The night before, I still wasn’t sure what I’d say, so I took to my Facebook page and asked, “If you could go back in time and visit with your younger self, what tips would you share with him?” Here is my favorite response—so full of wisdom it gave me chills:

It doesn’t always get better. It gets more interesting, sometimes even more challenging, but if you believe in yourself and who you are, you can become who you dream of being. Let go of self-doubt, have the strength to swagger down the street no matter what you look like, and celebrate others for who they are. Don’t worry about trying to be the belle of the ball, the stud, or the most desired. Instead strive to have a rich life, be unafraid, take chances, travel the world on your own, see things, search—so that when you’re old, you are the most amazing character, a fantastic wise old man who is able to teach the next generation.

Ero Marc Lamb