1. Nothing is the end of the world.
When you get bullied by that jock or "popular" girl, it says more about their character than it does yours. Maybe that's cliche, but it's true. And the harsh reality is that by the time you graduate, those people will probably end up being your best friends. Don't stress over it.
2. You are not in love.
This was a hard one for me to learn. I know that you might really, truly feel in your soul that you are in love, but you're not. You can't love someone until you figure out who you are. You'll know when it's right.
3. That boy who doesn't like you back is irrelevant.
Taylor Swift said it best: in your life you'll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team. And she was telling the truth in that heart-wrenching song about being fifteen, but the statement is really true for any age, be it fifteen, twenty-one, or thirty-five.
4. Don't screw your friends over.
No, seriously. Just don't. If that "popular" girl really wanted to be your friend, she would understand that you're also friends with the geek from math class and she wouldn't ask you to choose between friend circles.
5. You're not fat.
Eat that Nutty Bar and chase it down with your favorite flavor of Mountain Dew. You're too young to be counting calories.
6. That "C" is not going to ruin your life.
Your mom will be mad, but it won't last long. Take half an hour out of your nights from now on to study your notes on the subject and you'll be just fine.
7. The friends you have now won't be the friends you have forever.
Don't pretend to be anyone's friend; it's not worth your wasted time. If you have a fight with someone just let it go, chances are when you move up to high school you'll never see each other anyway. Don't beat yourself up.
8. Seriously, you're not fat.
Eat that plate of celery if you want to, good for you, but make sure it's not the only thing you eat today.
9. Don't try so hard.
You don't need to spend $20 on eyeliner and mascara and waste hours in front of the mirror to perfect them. Be a kid. You only get to do it once.
10. Cherish the memories you're making.
You're just about at the end of the time when all of your friends are friends with each other. Trust me, it won't last much longer. Take lots of pictures and hold on tight. You'll be really glad you did.
