To the girl that I used to be: you do not define me. Yes, you were young and wild, but you were not the brightest girl. I hope you see how naive your ways once were, and I hope you can learn from those simple mistakes. If I could write a letter to the old me, here's what I would say:
First, I would start by reminding you to make better choices. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to have a good time, but don’t do something that you will regret. It might seem like all the rage at the time, but trust me when I tell you it’s not worth it. Make the right decision and make memories that you'll actually want to remember. If you are constantly falling down from your missteps, you don’t have the energy to stand back up again. Try out for cheerleading, join student council or volunteer to help the needy — those small moments in time can last forever.
You probably argue with your mom, more often than not, so learn to be respectful. There are rules, not to hurt you, but to help you. Try to make her proud in everything that you do, whether it be school, work or in social encounters. She wants the absolute best for you, so you should work to the fullest of your ability to succeed in life. Admit those times when you’re wrong, because you probably are. If you’ve done something dishonest, like skipping your curfew, you know that there will be consequences. Don’t fight what you know is expected of you, because in the end, it will make you a better person.
When that boy comes along that treats you like you’re not pretty enough, smart enough or skinny enough, forget him! That boy is not and never will be worthy of your time. You deserve the best that the world can offer you, and you should never settle for anything less. If he doesn’t open the door for you, then he doesn’t see you as the queen that you are. If he doesn’t compliment you, then he doesn’t appreciate the time and effort that it took to find that outfit. If he doesn’t make you love who you are, inside and out, then he is never going to be the one for you. But, when someone comes along that treats you the way you deserve to be treated, do not take him for granted.
To those friends that encourage you to make the wrong decisions — you do not need them in your life. Stick with the friends who raise you up and want you to thrive. The ones who disrespect their parents, make low grades in school and stay up drinking all weekend are not quality friends for you. You should want to spend time with friends who can help you through tough times. You should find friends who can make you smile and laugh so much that your stomach hurts. You should find friends who will one day be your bridesmaids.
The past does not define who you are in the present, so go forth and make the respectable choice. Work your hardest in college. Be someone who can give love and receive it. Mind your P’s and Q’s, and always remember to say yes ma’am.
