You turn thirteen this year and I’m wondering where the past years went because you’ll always be my little baby. I can’t believe you start high school soon, but before we can get into high school, we have to be a teenager first.
Welcome to your teenage years, baby. Let’s make one thing clear first. These next few years are gonna be the best times and the worst times of your life. I’m making you these ten guidelines to keep in mind as you start to get older, and things you can keep in mind on your good days, and on your worst days. For the days that you want advice, but don’t want to ask for it, keep these points in mind. I’ll always be a phone call away.
Don’t change for anybody. ANYBODY.
This means don’t change for that cute boy, or that girl you want to be friends with, or when you want a group of kids to like you. You don’t need to change your personality, what you wear or how you act in order for people to like you. You’re going to be meeting a lot of new people throughout high school, and you don’t have to change in order to make friends. You’ve always been a little sassy and not afraid to speak your mind. Keep that mentality. Don’t be afraid to be YOURSELF. You are the best you that there is. Be the best you that you can be.
Things will seem like the end of the world, and trust me, it’s not.
Every little thing will start to make your chest crumble and leave you in tears in the bathroom. If you forget something at home, you don’t get invited somewhere, or wake up with a zit, I promise you everything will be okay. It’s temporary, and tomorrow is a new day. Don’t let minor things ruin your mood, or even ruin your day.
Take pictures all the time
Pictures are timeless. Always capture the moment and enjoy it. You’ll look back at those pictures when you’re in college and miss the days when everything was so simple, even if it didn’t seem like it at the time.
Learn the difference between being forgiving and being too forgiving
Don’t let others walk all over you. You’ll get into arguments here and there with your friends, but it’s up to you to stand up for yourself. There are times you’ll forgive them for what they did, and there will be other times where you know a second chance won’t change anything. It’s up to you to learn the difference and learn when enough is enough.
Be the bigger person, always.
Don’t worry about what others are going to think if you do something, or how something will make you look. By being the bigger person, you will always know that you put in the effort, and that you tried.
Boys definitely don’t deserve you
This will never change. You are a true gem and boys are pieces of sand. One day you will find a boy worth your time, energy and love. That day is not today. You’ll go through mini “heart-breaks” where, again, it seems like the end of the world because a boy didn’t wait for you outside of Chemistry, but think about that. Is that really what you’re gonna keep yourself awake at night thinking about? Definitely not. I’m not saying don’t ever give boys a chance, because being a teenager is about finding yourself and being social! Learn who is worth your time.
Love yourself & believe in yourself
Confidence is key in any situation. There is nothing wrong with loving who you are or how you look. Sometimes you may get a little discouraged in how you feel about yourself, or your outfit, but if you stay confident, no one can tell you otherwise. If you know you look good, then who’s someone to tell you otherwise? Girl, bye.
Makeup doesn’t define beauty
Don’t be one of those girls who rely on makeup to feel beautiful in their own skin. You’re beautiful! Makeup is nice for big events, but not essential for everyday use. Plus, you’ll keep your skin clean and CLEAR by not wearing makeup all the time. Bye, bye acne!
Mom is literally always right
As much as you don’t want to hear this, she really is. I didn’t see it when I was thirteen, but I’m about to be twenty-one and lord I wish I listened when people told me that. It’s like she has this superpower where she knows when people aren’t good friends, or that something isn’t a good idea. You might think she’s just being annoying and mean but girl, trust me when I say she’s right.
Be kind to everyone
Being kind is truly the easiest thing on the planet. You never know what’s going on in someone’s life, and they may even be in a bad place. I guarantee you that your smile and a simple wave will change their day! For instance, if you see someone sitting alone at lunch, invite them to sit with you! Think about it if the situation was flipped, wouldn’t you want someone to invite you? No one wants to sit alone.
And there you have it. Don’t be afraid to refer back to this throughout your teenage years. I love you so much and I’ll always be a phone call away.
