Ah, being 13. If I recall correctly, it was one of the roughest years of my life. Why? Standard stuff of course, but without a doubt, that year had some moments that defined me for the rest of my life. I was recently on a road trip with some friends when we were recalling past experiences from middle school. At the time, it felt like days were centuries and we thought life would never change. Here I am, eight years later and life certainly has changed in ways I never previously would have thought possible.
1. You won't always feel less than others
It felt like everyone else had it better than I did, which made me think I was less than others. At times, I think we all feel less than other people, because it seems like everyone else has their circle of similars. The key word here though is "seems." A lot of things seem in place that are nothing more than an illusion we all put on.
2. Breast size does not define womanhood or femininity
I had the little boy body. Unfortunately, I've never outgrown the prepubescent figure, but I consider myself as feminine as feminine comes. Women come in all shapes and sizes and the cup size of our breasts does not define us as attractive or desirable. It's our attitude and personality that puts out femininity, plus knowing how to dress for your figure.
3. Others will be better than you at certain things
I used to beat myself up at not being good at certain things. Why was my 100 meter relay race so slow? Why was I so bad at volleyball? I'm not good at sports. Others are, but I'm not. It takes a lot to admit that something isn't your strongest suit, and if you don't even enjoy it, why does it matter?
4. You will be better than others at certain things
I couldn't overhand serve, but I could kill an algebra exam.
5. Boys will like you
Romance comedies were at their peak in my life when I was 13. I would fantasize about a handsome new boy coming into school who would automatically take notice of me and automatically ask me to be his girlfriend until we got married in our mid-20s. In real life though, I felt invisible when it came to boys. I was awkward. We all were awkward, but being awkward for a period doesn't mean we'll have horrible luck the rest of our lives. Boys have come and boys have left. My 13-year-old self never would have thought it.
6. Your quirky qualities will be seen as unique and interesting later
Star Wars turns cool and everyone ends up geeking out over certain things.
7. You will not have one great love
You will break up with many boys and many boys will break up with you. Maybe there is one great love, but I have yet to encounter him. Stop trying to make sense of love. It's something so big and complicated, the greatest minds have yet to figure out what it truly is. Embrace it for the complicated mess it is and hope the other person can do the same.
8. Your friends will be your greatest asset to survival
Those awkward kids around you? They'll be your best friends in high school. You will laugh, cry, and scream at these people, because they turn into your second family. Don't do anything to ever mess up those friendships.
9. Parents are the best
I think most people don't appreciate their parents until they're in college. I know that's how it was for me. Now, they're pretty much my best friends. Whenever anything bad happens, I call them up or drive home, because I know I always have their support no matter how bad I severely messed up.
10. The hard work in school will pay off
I was always a nerd, but at times, it felt like the effort put into classes had no rewards. I never got the Academic All Star medals at awards night, but I was learning a lot. Parents are right though. Hard work leads to scholarships and scholarships make your life 50x easier.
11. Popularity is only perspective
I'm sure the "popular" girls of any school felt they weren't popular at all.
12. Sometimes, you will feel hopeless
Teen angst made me feel like the world was against me at times. It takes some time and life experiences to realize, things can and will sometimes get worse. We always have to remember that despite how hopeless we may feel, life goes on.
13. You are capable of anything
The world seems so limiting when you're 13, but those limitations disappear with age until you're truly free to do whatever you please in life. It might not seem possible when you're 13, but by the time you're in college, you realize the options in life are limitless.
