Being a 13-year-old awkward middle school student is never easy. Growing up, I used to wish for someone older in my life who could give me advice that I needed to hear at the time. While my parents may have tried to give me advice, it probably would've been better received coming from someone closer to my age who I viewed as "cool" or looked up to. These words of truth and motivation are exactly what I needed to hear at 13 and sometimes what I need to hear now. Reflecting on this stage of my life has been very rewarding, and I hope you can do the same.
1. It's okay to ask for help
Asking someone to pray for you is good. Letting others speak into your life is good. Leaning on your friends shoulders is good. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I had to re-affirm my self that asking people to pray for me and to just be with me was okay to do. We were not created to be alone in our struggles.
2. Being goofy isn't lame
This is who you ARE. Let yourself be your fun goofy self. Life doesn't have to be serious all the time
3. It's okay to help your mom around the house
It's okay to ask to help, to be apart of what's cooking, to be a hand in anything that you can help doing.
4. Your worth is more than the lies that you hear
You may hear lies that you are not good enough and that your worth is placed based upon your actions, but those voices are wrong.
5. Boys are NOT worth it right now
Sister, there is NO need for a boy in your life. It will do nothing but shatter your heart and send you into a tornado of crazy emotions. Focus your attention on something else. Invest your time into friendships, find a hobby you enjoy, learn to do something new. Boys will always be there, and right now they should not be your main focus.
6. Delete Facebook
I know everyone has it, but you don't have to be like everyone else. The internet can easily consume all of your time and that is not okay. Put forth your time into things that are worth while.
7. If the words your friends say to you hurt, tell them
You're not being lame, and your'e not being a bad friend. Telling others how you feel is a practice that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid of being honest- even if it's uncomfortable.
8. You don't have to fix all your friends problems
You are a mediator, and that is a gift, but you were not meant to have everyone's burdens placed upon your shoulders. If one of your friends is going through something serious, tell someone who is older and someone you can trust.
9. You don't need to be ashamed of your culture
Your ethnicity and culture is beautiful. Learn to appreciate it and to learn more about it. Those who make fun of you are not worth your time. Don't let the words of other people dictate your feelings.
10. Learn to be thankful for what you have
Material items will not satisfy you. Be thankful with what you have and be quick to offer generosity to those who have less than you.
11. Just because your friends like a certain type of music, doesn't mean you have to also
Listen to what YOU want to listen to. You know what music will fill your soul with joy and what music will make you feel uneasy and gross. You are your own unique person- remember that.
12. God's plan for your life is already beautifully planned out
Right now, it may be very hard to accept that God's plan for your life is the right one. He makes beautiful things out of you, just watch and see how He will grow you into love. Trust Him, it's worth it.
13. You are loved, loved , loved.
Even when you feel forgotten, unworthy, not good enough, broken, tired, and annoyed. You are loved beyond all measure. You are seen, you are not invisible, and you will become confident, bold, and strong.
man running in forestPhoto by 
