Dear 17-year-old me,
It feels like just yesterday that I was you, running around with all of my friends at a Friday night football game and looking forward to life after graduation. Time is a funny thing though, because here I am, four years later, a completely different person.
The first thing I want to say to you is slow down. Stop rushing into being an adult, because let me tell you, it isn’t easy and, at times, it isn’t fun. I don’t want to give you the impression that high school will provide you with the best days of your life, because that isn’t true. However, high school is the most carefree time in your life, and that’s what I want you to appreciate.
To begin with, don’t stress so much about grades. I know that you think you have to earn a perfect GPA and a phenomenal SAT score, but don’t let those things hold you back from taking new adventures. Don’t get me wrong, school is important, but it isn’t everything. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself and save all that stress for college, because that’s when things will get overwhelming.
Make sure you’re spending time with your family. I know they may not seem like a priority right now, but remember that you have a lot of younger cousins and siblings looking up to you. Show them a little attention and make some time to listen to them vent about what’s going on in their lives. You never know who you could influence in a positive way. Aside from giving advice, make sure that you’re getting some valuable guidance from your older family members. I know that it can be a hassle to drive to your grandparents’ houses regularly, but be sure to do it, because nothing in life is for certain, and you never know when someone will leave this world behind.
Please, for goodness sake, stop worrying about boys and whether or not one of them wants to date you or take you to the prom. I know it may seem like you’re the only one who doesn’t have a boyfriend, but that doesn’t define who you are, and you should never let it. When you’re feeling sad about a guy, just forget about him. It may feel like the end of the world in that moment, but I can promise you that you won’t know true heartbreak for a few more years.
Lastly, no matter how hard it may be, don’t let things that are out of your control upset you. You can’t always be one step ahead of everything, despite how much you may try to be. It’s OK to walk away from something, or someone, when it no longer benefits you. And it’s OK to think of yourself over another person every now and then.
I don’t have all the answers for now, because there are still many things in life that I’m unsure and scared of. But one thing that I can guarantee you is that you’re going to love who you become in the next few years, so sit back and let whatever will be, be.
XOXO,
Me
