The world is scary, and it’s big, and it’s dark, and it’s ready for you. Please don’t forget a few things whilst you are tackling the ever so daunting, exciting challenges thrown your way.
1. Stay Wild
This world is crazy – but the only way to win is to remain bold and bright. Do not be afraid to laugh uncontrollably, and do not be afraid to pee your pants. I swear, it’s really not that embarrassing. Please break the rules, and cross all the lines a few hundred times, and press the big red buttons, and do all the things that others tell you not to do, but most importantly, do every single thing that your heart desires, even if it pisses people off. If you want pink hair, go for it. However, please realize that people will judge you, and also realize that those people do not matter. Fall in love with yourself, because that is the one person that controls your happiness.
2. Let Others Help You
We are all just teenage dirt-bags, and that is a marvelous thing to be. No one can do it by themselves. Might I remind you that, without you, I would not be the girl that I am today. Allow someone to open your eyes in the way that you have opened mine. Let someone carry the bag, let someone edit the paper, let someone hold your hand, and let someone see you cry. People helping people is how this world becomes a better place. Remember that.
3. Forgive
People will do you wrong, and likewise, you will do others wrong. Realize that at this stage in your life, it is so easy to change, and to morph, and to allow yourself to grow. With that, know that others have the same ability. What others did yesterday does not define who they are today. Apologize. It is hard. It is courageous. It is right. Be the bigger person, always. There is never an excuse for a mean girl, but we are all capable of being one. We all have our moments, and in your moments, you will hope that others can forgive you and look past it. So move forward. It is hard, and it will never get easier, but it is worth it, every time.
4. Know the Conditions of Promises
Do not make a promise when you are overly happy, for when you are sad, you will not feel the same way about the situation. Do your best, follow through, and try to know the difference between a promise made on a whim, and a promise made from the heart, for they are two very different things. Friendships change, and while girl code exists and bro code is questionable, do not expect others to put your happiness above theirs, no matter how many times they have sworn up and down that you are their best friend. Their happiness is important, and it should be. HOWEVER, you need to realize that your happiness is worth fighting for; it is worth first place, and it is worth you putting above all else in some situations. Promise only what you can, not what you hope you can do. Be honest about your abilities to follow through. Realize the situation and those involved. Be considerate when others do not come through or do not go because maybe, just maybe, today is a hard day for them. Do not hold that against them, but also for future knowledge, remember that their promises are, in fact, very conditional.
5. Reflections
Mirrors are nothing more than glass, and you, my darling, are so much more than that. Please never ever allow a reflection to define your value. With that, do not let the words of others become what you see or how you feel about yourself. “What Suzie says about Sally says more about Suzie than Sally.” Carry this with you. Be kind in your words, be gentle in your touch, and know that the only one able to devalue you is you, by believing bullshit that we both know is not true. You are bright and beautiful and nothing short of a gift. You are capable of shooting beams of sunlight into the souls of others, and I know this because you have gleamed into me. Remember your value, because there will be hard days, and sometimes, it will feel as if that sheet of glass is who you are, but you are so much more. When days get tough, look within yourself, evaluate the inner you, because in the end, while the outer you is beyond stunning, what lies beneath your exterior is the most dazzling soul that there ever was.
6. Love
There is a difference between loving and being in love. Sometimes relationships change and deteriorate, and that’s okay. Appreciate the good times and acknowledge that maybe it just wasn’t the right timing. There is no shame, none at all, in going back. There is nothing wrong with giving chances and loaning pieces of your heart. And there is also nothing wrong with walking away. It is okay to cry. It is okay to hurt. Love hurts sometimes, but it should never hurt more than it heals. Love should be a safe place. Know that kisses are not contracts, they are moments, and moments are meant to be had, not to be held. Some love is toxic, and it takes many mistakes to realize those relationships. Those mistakes are okay, they mold you as a person – but realize that love stretches beyond a boy and girl. Love your best friend, and realize that there will be fights, and she will talk about you and you will talk about her. Love those that hate you, for they are struggling. Love those that seem distant, for they feel unloved. Love those that are different, because the Lord challenges us to not judge. Love, and love wholeheartedly, for you will not regret it.
You will never ever be younger than you are at this moment, do not let that slip away from you. Be young and dumb. You will never regret trying your hardest, so do not ever dull yourself in fear of being too bright.
From me to you – I love you big time, long time, for always.
