As a 12-year-old, my awkward phase was in full effect. I was almost a teenager, but not yet past my childhood years. I was a tween, I suppose. Crazy, a bit insecure, shy, loud, outspoken, timid, bratty, and unsure of what the future would hold is basically what sums me up as a 12-year-old.
As a 12-year-old, I would dream of the day I would be an adult, driving my own car, having my own job, and i couldn't even imagine being old enough to be in college. I looked up to college students like they were kings and queens. I could never imagine being that old and studying such difficult subjects in school. I vividly remember how much I respected high school seniors because I thought their math was so hard. Now looking back and currently having those adult responsibilities I once yearned for, I immediately wish I could have one last chance to play with chalk on the sidewalk, play hula hoop with the neighbors, or make forts out of umbrellas while it rains. I had no obligations or responsibilities. I didn't know how easy I had it, and if I could speak to my 12-year-old self, this is exactly what I would tell me:
1. Play outside as much as you can
Be active, play hide-and-go-seek, be proud of your grass stained jeans. You have the rest of your life to grow up. Sure, you will be a teenager in a year, but that doesn’t mean you should stop your imagination from running wild. Run around with your friends and neighbors, be adventurous, draw on the sidewalk with chalk. You are never too old to have a good time.
2. Your skin won’t be clear very much longer
Enjoy your smooth, flawless, baby-butt-like skin because it won’t be like this for very much longer. Acne sucks and it’s a natural part of a teenage life. Get a good face wash, moisturize, exfoliate and don’t touch your face!!!
3. You are not fat
Stop picking yourself apart. You will look back at yourself in the future and think, “Why on earth did I think I was fat?” You are the tiniest you will every be and your metabolism rocks. Be confident in your body.
4. Take advantage of your fast metabolism
Junk food is fine in moderation, but don’t eat it every day, start eating healthy now and your eating patterns stick with you in the future.
5. Don’t listen to the boy who calls you ugly
He is an insecure and immature little boy. His words don’t mean anything to you, so ignore it and be confident in yourself. You are beautiful and don’t let a small little child tell you any different.
6. You do not want your period
Believe me, you don’t. It may seem like the girls who have it are so cool, but you are actually much better off without it. Enjoy the time you have before it comes, it will suck.
7. Don’t be a brat
Be nice. I understand you are almost a teenager, but being a brat will not help you at all. Be nice to everyone you meet, and don’t sass your parents. In the future you will realize that they are the people in your life who are the most loyal.
8. Enjoy time with your family
You’re going to think that you should be spending time with your friends, and sure, doing that is great, but make some time for your family. Family is forever.
9. You’re not as cool as you think
Seriously, you are not. Be yourself but don’t try too hard to fit in. Everyone is a little weird, so be crazy, and don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re only this young once.
10, Be nice to your siblings
Seriously, your friends will come and go, so much, and you will have so many different friend groups, but your siblings are always there to lean on. They have got your back.
11. You don’t need a lot of makeup to be pretty
Your skin is beautiful and makeup is amazing, but you have the rest of your life to wear foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, powder etc. Go bare face, or wear natural makeup. Let your inner beauty shine.
12. Stop waiting to grow up
I remember looking up to highschoolers thinking I’d never be as sophisticated as them, and they were so cool and confident. But I also remember being a senior in high school wishing I had one last chance to blow bubbles in the yard or run through the sprinklers. Times will change, so enjoy your life now. Be in the present and stay young forever.
