Wow.
I can't believe that in three short years, you'll be turning 13 and officially be a teenager! It's crazy to think about how fast these past years have gone by and it is my duty as your older sister to prepare you for the next chapter. Being the first born, I didn't have any older siblings to tell me what to expect as a teenager so here are six gems that I think you'll need to know to tackle some of the best times of your life.
Spend some time getting to know people different from you.
Life is only interesting if you meet and interact with people from different backgrounds and with different beliefs from you. if you only surround yourself with people just like you, you'll never really get to experience the world. So if you have the opportunity make sure you reach out to and learn about people who are unlike you.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Teenagers sometimes think they can do it all on their own and unfortunately, it's not until something goes terribly wrong that they realize that they can't. Don't feel ever feel too embarrassed to ask for support if you can't do something on your own; no man is an island and everyone needs someone to lean on every once in a while.
Never EVER feel like you have to change for anyone.
People will come and go in your life but never feel like you have to change the things that make you unique because someone told you to. It doesn't matter if it's a friend, boyfriend or even an adult that you feel like you have to please; nobody is worth you losing the things that individualize you.
Take some time out of your schedule to hang out with mom and dad.
You may find it hard to believe now but you will get to a point where you're not gonna see mum and dad as much as you used to. Most times it's because of how busy life gets with them working and you in school as well as multiple clubs and organizations. However, whatever the case is, make sure to remember to section out time to hang out and catch up with them. You're gonna be out of the house before you know it!
Do not waste your time on people who don't deserve it.
I cannot stress this enough. It is okay to be friendly and want to get to know people but once you realize that they are not someone you need in your life, you need to cut them off. You have so many better activities to be doing and better people to be talking to than someone who isn't deserving of your time or attention.
Make friends, go on adventures and have fun!
Above all, make friends. Be nice to people and make meaningful connections will people that will motivate you to be the best version of yourself. Find those people and don't let go!
Enjoy being a teenager!