An open letter to all teenagers,
Welcome to one of the worse and best times of your life. From the years of 13-19, life is truly a growing experience. The amount of times you're going to make mistakes, endless. The amount of times you're going to feel like you don't fit, countless. And finally the amount of times you’re going to think your life is over, unfathomable. But I'm here to tell you, you’re going to be just fine. From sneaking out with your friends late at night, to crying your eyes over a boy who wont text you back, you will truly see it all in your teenage years. Even though it doesn't feel like it now, everything in the end will work out. As a young girl or young boy, you go through so many changes and feel so many things all at once, and at times the world seems to forget that. Trying to figure yourself is hard enough, and trying to juggle so many other things in your life doesn't make it easier. If I could go back and start my teenage years over again here are four things I wish I would’ve known.
- When you're at this age its so easy for people to influence you to fit their mold of what you should be. But don’t. Block everyone out and work on finding yourself, and don't ever allow someone to push you down or influence you in ways you don't want them to. If people want to judge you, fine let them. Do what makes you happy and comfortable, don't try to fit the mold. If that makes you stand out, let it! It is better to be a leader than a follower and I'm so glad that I eventually learned to be just that.
- Let him go. No boy or girl who makes you feel any less than perfect is worth your time. Never let anyone play games with your heart. You are beautiful inside and out, and don't you ever for one second think differently, especially over a boy who broke your heart, This is something I wish I would have learned earlier than I did.
- Stick to your true friends. If there is something that I know, true friends will always have your back. There only a handful of girls that I can count on for having my back all throughout high school and I am so thankful for them. They were the only ones who defending me through the good and the bad. They were prepared to defend me against anything and anyone, and when the time came they did just that. One thing I've learned is always pick quality against quantity. Through high school I dropped so many friend groups because of the countless drama and small backstabs that was being spread around. At times you might not always have a lot of friends, but if they are the right ones you have all you need.
- LOVE YOUR PARENTS AND FAMILY. I stress this the most. No matter how many times you feel like your parents are out to get you, which trust me you will. They are not. They are actually the only ones who will love you unconditionally and support you no matter how rocky the road is. And believe it or not as you get older they will become your best friends, your rock and your major support system.
I know these years are tough, but hang on. You're going to make it out alive.
Much love,
XX
A soon to be 20 year old
