Dear 16 year old self,

Now that you're 16, you are legally allowed behind the wheel of a vehicle. You are ready. However, your father is not. You think you've got your whole life figured out, and I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you do not. Not even close.

You will change your mind thousands of times regarding anything and everything. And that is okay. You're indecisive as it is, (not to mention stubborn) and that is just who you are, and you're going to have to accept that at some point.

You will be a heart breaker. The relationships you will hold at 16 will not last, and they won't define you. Not to sound crude, but Dave is not the one for you and that is okay.

You'll twist and turn through the maze of life trying to find your way. You'll reach some dead ends and some paths that aren't quite finished, and that my friend, is okay. Don't force the paths to be paved. With time, you'll come closer and closer to figuring out who you are.

You are a talented, beautiful girl, and don't ever let any boy try and tell you otherwise. If he does, he is most certainly not worth any of your time, I promise.

Being 16 is not easy. Being a 16 year old girl is hard. You will fit in despite what you think, and you will find your people. Stick it out and remember who you are and where you came from.

Despite the relationships you will hold with boys, always remember that the first relationship you had with a man was with your father. He, unlike the 16 year old boys, will always be there for you. He knows you better than any boy ever will.

You'll talk back to him (regretting it almost instantly) but he will never cease to give you the very best advice he can offer.

Your father will stand by after your first heart break and threaten to find that boy and teach him a lesson. With make-up dripping down your tear stained face, you'll beg him not to. You'll tell yourself you'll never be okay, but your heart will mend and you'll move on. I promise.

There will be plenty of boys; but you'll only have one father, so treat him kindly.

People will tell you that you're nothing, but remember that you are everything and then some.

Keep your head up and always remember to smile. Your mom, for the next two years, will constantly remind you that the best thing you can wear is a smile. She is right. She is always right about everything.

When you're 18, all the heart breaks will have been worth it. The crying, the sobbing and the moping will have all been worth it. You'll come in contact with an old friend, and the rest will be history. He will treat you like gold and never let you forget how special you are. Your dad, for the first time ever, will love the boy.

Life is good, you'll come to learn and appreciate just how good it can get.

Now go get behind that wheel, give dad some more grey hair and don't forget to tell him you love him, you'll be glad you did.

Enjoy driving while you can; it will soon become a chore. And don't wish the years away. Cherish every moment and get excited about the years ahead.

It can only get better from here.

Sincerely,

Your 18 year old self.