Dear future daughter,

I’m sure by this point in your life you’ve probably had your fair share of listening to my constant opinions and most likely think that I couldn’t possibly know what it is that you are going through. However, I promise you that everyone goes through a lot of the things that you are currently going through and will eventually go through, I myself included. Despite the fact that you probably will not take my advice when it comes to these challenges and lessons you go through (I know because I didn’t listen to my mom’s advice either), there are just a few things that I would really like you to keep in mind when you are going through your teenage years.

1. Enjoy the present and don’t wish your life away

I know that there are so many great things ahead of you—turning 16 to drive, turning 18 and moving away to college, but all of those great things will come with time. Enjoy having little responsibility and not having to worry about anyone but yourself because it will all come to an end faster than you think. Have tons of sleepovers with your friends and dance in your pjs and watch all of those new Disney Channel movies that are on because I promise you will always look back on those carefree times and smile. Enjoy every moment of being a fearless, fun-loving kid.

2. Don’t get caught up in the cliques in high school

Try to be friends with everyone and always remember to be a kind person to anyone you may meet. Despite the fact that you may think you only have 4 years with your classmates, people never forget how you made them feel. Ever. Be yourself but try to be that person that people can look back on and remember as being a good person that was friends with everyone. I promise this will only help you out later on in life.

3. Don’t hold grudges

I know it may seem difficult to forget about all of the mean things your ex-best friend said to you when you got in a fight, or how that boy made you feel like dirt, but I promise you that the only thing holding on to anger does for you is weigh you down. It’s not worth it. No one is perfect and people make mistakes all of the time. Let it go, but teach people how to treat you. Tell your once best friend how it made you feel when she said those things to you and then let it go and don’t allow her to make you feel bad again. Forgive the boy that made you feel terrible about yourself, but don’t ever think about going back to him. Forgive, but don’t forget.

4. You will have your heart broken, but all things heal with time

This will honestly be one of the hardest thing I will ever have to see you go through. It will hurt like hell and it will take time to get over it, but I promise the pain you feel will get easier with each passing day. You will feel angry and hurt and confused and I know it will feel like you will never get over it, but you do. In the process of healing, let yourself be upset and cry, but don’t dwell on it too long. Pick yourself up and get right back to a happy life. Learn to love yourself so much that you don’t feel like you need a guy to love you for you to feel whole. And please, talk to me when this happens, I will be your support system through it all.

5. Don’t have a steady serious boyfriend all throughout college

While we are on the subject of boys, please make sure that you truly experience life as a young, single girl. You will have the rest of your life to be with someone. Right now is your time and you need to enjoy this freedom. So, have fun, meet new people, and go on tons of dates. You’ll need to have a lot of crazy stories to tell your future husband about and all of the guys that disappoint or upset you will just make you appreciate the one you’re meant to be with even more.

6. Do something that is out of your comfort zone

One of my favorite quotes is “great things never came from comfort zones” because it is so true. Go out on a service trip, study abroad in another country, rent an apartment with your best friend. Even if for whatever reason it ends up being a total disaster, at least you’ll grow a little bit more as a person from your experience.

7. Never forget that your family will always be there for you

I promise that you will have such a strong support system for you when you are growing up and I never want you to forget that. If you are ever going through a hard time, reach out to us because I know that we will always be there to help you. Don’t forget about us when you go away to college and make all of these new friends and experience all of these amazing things. Family will always be there for you.

8. Always be yourself

I know that this will be hard to do when you are in high school, but never forget who you truly are and never change for anyone. I’m sure that no matter what your personality may end up being, it will be beautiful and you need to show that genuine, unique side of yourself and stop worrying about how others will perceive you. This will get easier as you get older, but it is such an important point to keep in mind. People will respect you more for being yourself.

There are so many other things that I know will come up throughout your life that will not fit the mold for these 8 pieces of advice and I’m sure that I’ll have more to say about the situations when they arise (I always do). For now, know that I am so excited to share that future journey with you and remember whether you like it or not… mom’s always right.

Love,

Your future mom