Dear 13 Year Old Me,
You are about to enter high school right now. I remember how scary that was. I remember the moments that the worry would come crashing in and you would be sick over what the future holds for you. I am here to tell you that it won’t be so bad. The things you are struggling with now will just be a part of your story and a thing of the past later in life. Some days you think you have your life figured out. Other days you panic, knowing that life will never be exactly like this again. That is okay, those feeling are valid. Just know, life is an adventure, so enjoy the journey.
There are some things I want to tell you about your life in hindsight that I think you will want to hear. The first of those being, just because you have friends and feel popular right now, does not give you the right to be exclusive instead of inclusive. That group you formed that picks on people “all in good fun” and doesn’t welcome others in, that is called a clique and you will regret it. Those friends that you thought would be your bridesmaids and who you love to gossip to, they will not be your friends forever. They will hurt you, but that is okay because someday the right friends will walk through the door and you will open your heart to friendship again.
Some days will feel all alone in the world. Don’t let it hurt you too much, you will grow up and have the most amazing friends who love you for exactly who you are and who love to include others. You will grow up to learn from your mistakes and want everyone to love each other. It’ll take some time though.
Secondly, when you look in the mirror and hate what you see, don’t let that keep you from eating and don’t let that make you hate yourself. You are beautiful exactly how you are, even if you do not see it because all you see if women in magazines that are airbrushed and a lot older than you. So eat more than you do. You are not helping yourself by starving yourself or throwing up food. Those around you may say things like “You are so pretty and tiny, you are so lucky to be like that” or “Well you will grow out of that baby fat." Do not let that be an encouragement or discouragement. Let it roll off. For that matter, when people make fun of you for being a redhead, don’t consider dying your hair for one minute. You will grow to like it one day. You will grow to like how unique it makes you, even if being unique at 13 is the worst thing you could dream of. Give yourself grace and love yourself more.
Use your gift, create more art and music. You might be terrified to sing in front of people right now, but in a few years some amazing youth pastors will come into your life and change all of that. When people compliment your art or your voice, learn to believe them. I know life is so scary right now and you are unsure of what you will do with your life, but don’t worry. Life is going to be great and the journey is meant to be enjoyed.
Travel more and worry less. You love to do it and you do not have many responsibilities. You only regret the trips you never take. Dad has business trips, go with him. You both are getting older daily, so spend time with him in a new city. Those memories will be your favorite when you grow up.
Lastly, you may think that every boy you “fall for” is going to be the one you marry and that you will be married by the time you are my age. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not your story and that is something you will grow to be okay with. In fact, you will love it. Those boys who sweet-talk you and who you picture yourself being with forever, they won’t be. That is okay and you will learn it was a blessing for everyone involved because you are all still so young and have so much life to live. Be independent. Fall in love with God, life, animals and your friends. Your story is just starting.
Everything at your age feels like it is the end of the world, but it isn't. Life is just starting and it will be great. You will still make your own mistakes and you will fall, but you will get up again. You will have a broken heart, you will have scraped knees, and some of your dreams will not come true. You will realize that in hindsight, your plan X was God’s plan A and that everything that happened and seemed like a set back was really a set up for the future. So live your life, love your parents and especially Jesus, and get out there and adventure. Life is waiting and ten years will go faster than you know.
Love,
23 Year Old You.
P.S. You will get that puppy you always wanted.
