Letter to 14 year old self

I read a book once where the author wrote  letter to his 14 year old self. I thought this was a cool idea, so I gave it a try :)

Dear 14 year old me,

I am not going to walk you through exactly what is going to happen over the next eight years, because as much as I know you won’t like it, it will actually be best if I leave you with some things you have to learn on your own. What I am going to do is give you the advice I wish I had been given when I thought my 14 year old life was falling apart. Here it goes!

First of all, you are about to start high school. And you are going to find that the friends you had through elementary and middle school will suddenly want to go their separate ways. This is going to be hard on you. It is never easy feeling left out. However, don’t take this too personally. You are not the only one going through it! Friends tend to drift away from each other. Some will come in and out of your life for years. Although it may seem like the end of the world when your old friends won’t want to hang out with you, I can assure you that they are just trying to figure out where they belong. And so should you! You’re going to make some new friends that are amazing and the adventures you will go on with them will make for some good stories and life long memories.

In high school, people tend to think that image is everything. Unfortunately, it is rare that someone will accept you for who you are. Teenagers can be vicious about this. They will make fun of you, put you down, and make you feel like you aren’t good enough. You will become insecure and some days not even want to get out of bed. Listen to mom when she tells you this is only happening because these kids themselves are insecure. They are only trying to make you feel like less because it makes them feel greater. In the future, you’re going to find that the people who thought they were so cool for teasing you, don’t turn out so cool. Keep a smile on your face and never try to be someone you’re not to make other people happy (yes, I am referring to the black hair dye. Seriously girl, throw away the black hair dye!) I promise that you’re real friends will like you for exactly who you are. Messy brown hair and all.

This winter the family is going to go through a devastating and emotional hardship. Dad is going to get very sick. He will lose his leg and be in a coma for one month. After he gets out of the hospital, he is going to live in a rehabilitation center to re-learn how to walk and live life. It will be about six months before finally coming back home. Life will change in many ways after this. Even eight years later we are still living with the everyday challenges. But I am proud to say our family will stick together though this time. And because of it we will become closer and stronger in the years to come.

One of the most important things I am going to tell you is, it is okay not to look perfect. Nobody does! You are going to encounter some very mean people over the next four years that will judge you for not being perfectly skinny.  As awful as this is going to feel, try not to make yourself miserable about the way you look. Believe it or not after high school you will lose 60lbs. You’re confidence level will go way up and you’ll be an overall happier person.

Okay now onto a more serious subject, boyfriends. When you are 17 you will be introduced to a guy. This guy has a car and a job and because of that you believe he is incredibly sophisticated and can do absolutely no wrong. It will be about three months before your first broken heart. Now I’m not going to tell you to “be strong” and “keep your head up.” Because when you’re a broken hearted 17-year-old, I strongly believe the best way to get though it is to allow yourself to feel it. Cry, call your friends, call your sister, and cry some more. This does not mean you are weak, it means you are NORMAL! I know at the time you won’t believe me, but there are other guys out there for you. Never settle for less than what you deserve. You are awesome. Don’t forget it!

The last thing I am going to tell you is don’t worry so much about starting college right after high school. Because to tell you the truth, your heart just won’t be in it. Wait until you are ready. You will be more motivated and likely to succeed.

Well darlin’, this is all the wisdom I have to offer you. Now before you consider crawling in a hole and sleeping through the next eight years, remember the experiences you are about to have are valuable. Embrace your youth while you can, learn all you can, and don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. At 22 years old, I can truthfully say I think we are awesome!

Love,

You

Or me

Us?

You know what I mean.