1. I know I’m not always nice, but I try to be. Sometimes I'm not in the best mood and I apologize for that. Forgive me when I'm irritable.
2. Sometimes life throws you for a loop and things don’t go as planned.
3. Grades are important, but your mental health is more important. Don't kill yourself for an A.
4. Don’t pay attention to the media. It will never define your beauty.
5. School isn’t everything, but it is important. Just remember: there are a lot of famous people who sucked at math (Einstein).
6. We fight sometimes, but it’s because I care. I want you to make better choices than I made.
7. Respect people only when they respect you. If someone is mean to you, don't feel the need to respect them because you are told to do so. Do what you feel is right.
8. Try to always be optimistic. It's hard, but it has helped me so much. Find the positive in any and every situation.
9. Your disorders do not define you and they never will.
10. It’s okay to ask questions: in school, in real life, anywhere. It's okay no matter what. Don't feel stupid.
11. Don’t let anyone define you or tell you who or what you should be. You are the only person that decides who you are.
12. Love yourself. It's hard to do sometimes, but it's so important.
13. All our secrets are still our secrets — I’ve never told anyone anything you’ve told me in confidence and I never will.
14. I’m not perfect. Nobody is, so I'm sorry for anything I've done to hurt your feelings.
15. I will always be here for you when you need someone to talk to.
16. I love you more than I could even begin to describe.
17. I’m so happy you were born because being an only child for nine years sucked.
18. Being an adult sucks, so make sure you get as much joy out of your teenage years as possible.
19. Boys suck. Wait ‘til you’re older (or just don't mess with them at all).
20. Don’t fall into peer pressure. Do things at your own time... or don't.
21. Don’t ever let anyone pressure you into anything you’re not okay with.
22. Trust your gut and your instinct. If something feels weird, it probably is.
23. Read! Reading is so important. I regret not reading more when I was younger.
24. Always be childish. Do what makes you laugh. Do what you love. Don't let maturity take away your imagination or your creativity.
25. Never abuse yourself. You are the only version of you so treat yourself well. Know you are beautiful, smart and talented.
26. You are an artist - create art. I can't begin to tell you how jealous I am of your talented drawings. Don't ever stop.
27. I will always be your best friend as long as you'll have me.
28. Bullies have nothing better to do with their time. Don't pay them any attention. They are idiotic.
29. No matter what, it isn't the end of the world. Things aren't as bad as they may seem.
30. If you ever have problems, know you are always welcome to come stay the night with me no matter where I'm living.
31. Call me or text me anytime. If anything is going wrong in your life, let me know.
32. You are accomplishing so many amazing things at your age. I'm so proud of you.
33. I'm always on your side, no matter what. Even if it's something I don't agree with, I will always be on your side.
34. No means no. Yes means yes. If you ever tell someone no, don't end up saying yes to satisfy them or out of fear of hurting them. Your feelings always come first. Remember not to feel bad for saying no. Your ideals come first.
35. Believe whatever you want to believe. That goes for anything. Remember that I will be on your team.
36. Please use your common sense if you are ever in a bad situation. Don't drink and drive. Don't have unprotected sex, ever. Don't put your life in danger. Remember that I am here to tell you about any situations I have ever been in, stupid or not, and don't make my mistakes again.
37. When you get money, spend it. Go crazy. Have fun and buy the things that you will remember forever.
38. Go for your dreams. Don't ever let anyone stop you from achieving them. They're never stupid.
39. Take your time. Whether it's adjusting to a situation or doing something, take your time. Don't rush into anything.
40. Friends are not forever. You will probably only keep one throughout your entire life, but you won't keep more than that. I've been there.
41. There is no experience you will go through (bad or good) that I'm sure I haven't been in once or twice. Ask me questions about it. Get some advice if you need it.
42. Get your picture taken. It seems silly, but trust me... it's so nice to be able to look back on your pictures.
43. Make memories.
44. Talk to Mom about the old days. There is nothing I regret more than not talking to Papa more about his life. I regret not talking to my father about more experiences he had. Trust me. You won't regret it. It may be boring now, but it pays off later.
45. Don't ever apologize for being yourself.
46. Don't tell anyone you love that you hate them. Not even as a joke. I remember thinking that about my dad when I was mad at him one time and it has turned out to be a huge regret of mine.
47. Keep the little things: movie tickets, concert tickets, knick-knacks, letters... they bring back so many good memories.
48. Don't stress about your weight. It's just a number. It doesn't define you. Be healthy, whatever that is to you. Get two desserts, eat a container of icing when you're sad... go crazy. Try not to over-indulge, though.
49. Write in a journal daily. Just write anything. Write a poem, write how you feel, write a story... you never know how far it will take you. Keep track of how you progress in writing through the years.
50. Always tell your loved ones that you love them. You never know when you'll see them again. Life is fragile, don't expect it to last long.
51. You are beautiful. Don't ever forget that. Tell yourself every day in the mirror. You will always be beautiful.
52. I always miss you. Every time I see a picture of us, I want to cry. I feel so guilty for not being more involved with your life.
53. Be goofy. Be silly. Don't be a stickler. Have fun and live a little.
54. Go outside sometimes. It sucks, I know... but I remember more moments of being outside than being inside glued to my computer.
55. It's okay to cry. If someone tells you different, tell them off.
56. Don't feel bad about cursing. I know you do it, I did at that age. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for it.
57. You are so advanced beyond your years.
58. It's okay to get annoyed or angry. Feel your emotions and act accordingly.
59. Make a bucket list. Achieve things you want to achieve on that list.
60. Don't ever hide who you are for someone else.





















