Dear 13-Year Old Self,
Oh gosh, you're so young! Yes, 13 years old is still young and you still have many lessons to learn. Even though you might feel like now that you're finally a teenager, you know everything. But honestly, you don't. You have so much yet to experience and so many people to meet. You're not as old and mature as you think you are. Growing up isn't a race. Enjoy being young and stay open-minded. Life is a journey you've only just begun.
13 is a confusing and stressful age. Being a teenager isn't as easy as adults like to say it is. Everything is changing and everyone is growing up and you sometimes feel like you just can't keep up. This might be a difficult time, but you will change and you will grow. It will all be for the better. You might hit a few bumps on the way and you might find yourself feeling lost and hopeless, but learn from your mistakes and trust the path you're on. It will all work out for you.
There is so much pressure to keep your grades up while still doing everything you have to do to fit in. There will be pressure to start hanging out with all of the "cool" kids, but please stop worrying about your image. These girls you're trying to hang out with will not have a good influence on you. But don't worry too much, soon, you'll find people you truly fit in with and that like you for who you are. Most of the time, you'll forget the popular kids from middle school even exist.
It seems like everyone is dating and you'll feel a little pressure to start dating, too. You'll have your first kiss and it won't be quite as special as you'll imagine it to be. Boys will come and go into your life and you'll think you'll never get over each one, but I promise you will.
Losing friends is never easy, but sometimes it's for the best. Losing your best friend will be hard and you will try to mend the strained relationship, but sometimes friends simply don't last forever. You will look for a piece of her in everyone you meet, but you know deep down she can never be replaced. It's okay that your best friend isn't your best friend anymore. You have both grown and changed and you aren't the same people you used to be. You'll make tons of new friends, but every once in awhile make sure to look back on the memories you share with the old. Cherish those memories forever.
The world isn't out to get you even it seems like it is. Don't dwell on your sadness of lost friends and boys not liking you back. Work harder in school and do things for yourself. Everything that is happening to you is happening for a reason, even if you can't see it now. Don't worry what others think of you and stop questioning if you're good enough. Everything will fall into place soon enough.
Love,
19-Year Old Me
