Dear Self,
Congratulations you have just turned 16! This is the moment you’ve waited for so long. When you hop into that Mustang, take it slow and easy. Throughout the years I’ve experienced a few things and I wanted to share with you a little glimpse into what may make your journey a little easier.
Step away from your mirror. The hours you will stand and analyze every wrinkle and dimple you could be learning to actually be good at basketball. You aren’t fat, your thighs aren’t jiggly, and you don’t have love handles. Be confident with your smile, stand up straight, and LOVE yourself. You truly are beautiful.
The future plans you have, “Married by 23, baby by 25, done by 30″… are not going to happen. Don’t try to make it happen and if you do, you may end up down the wrong path. With that being said…follow your heart. Don’t let age or an idea discourage your choices. Trust your gut; he’s the one.
Look around; most of these people you will never see or hear from again. Spend less time worrying about what they think and always be kind. High school is just a tiny glimpse of your life. I promise that in 10 years people only remember how you treated them. Also, go to your 10-year reunion; it will be fun.
Some doors naturally close, but others will open. You are going to lose friends, and undoubtedly it is going to hurt, but I promise your adult friends are pretty amazing.
Your heart is going to break more than once and it’s going to crush you, but I promise it’s not the end.
The nights you stay up late driving around with your best friends singing songs at the top of your lungs…those are the nights you will never forget.
Your parents are always right. Nothing good happens after midnight, a little lipstick goes a long way, don’t pick your boyfriend over your friends, always be on time, and more times than not your parents know what is best.
Social media is going to take over the world by storm. A few people also wanted to share some words of wisdom: visit your grandparents every chance you get, you don’t always have to have a boyfriend, it’s better to have one best friend than 20 good friends, take a semester abroad, wear sunscreen, save your money, job shadowing is a good idea, and you only have control of what is handed to you (thanks dad).
Lastly, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
— Andy Bernard (The Office)
(You should really watch this show.)
