Hey girl,
How is the seventh grade treating you? Oh wait...I already know. Ha ha. I'm so sorry, I just had to. Anyways, I hope this letter finds you well. What is it now, 2007? If I remember correctly, that is when Britney Spears shaved her mane, Paris Hilton was jailed for 23 days, Miley Cyrus was Hannah Montana and the Spice Girls launched a reunion tour. Believe me, things will get plenty more strange in the coming years, but I won't spoil all that fun for you just yet. I just wanted to write to you and tell you all of the things that I wish I knew when I was making my way through junior high. Before I begin with the heavy stuff, read the "Harry Potter" series! Trust me, you won't regret it. And if you start now, you won't have to struggle to finish them the summer before your senior year of college. Read them! Oh, and don't waste your time with the "Twilight" movies. The books are worth it, but the movies are disappointing.
Love Yourself
Here, I am not talking about Justin Bieber. Oh wait, I don't think you know about him yet. Savor these next two years... you'll know what I mean soon enough. But this lesson here cannot be more important. It may sound so corny and seemingly simple to you, but it most certainly is not. In order to be happy in this life, you need to find what makes you happy. Stop trying to please your peers just to get in their good graces. If they don't appreciate you for just being you, they're not worth it!
Now this whole loving yourself business can be not only very challenging, but complex as well. In order to pursue the things that will make you happy, you must step out of your comfort zone and take risks that may frighten the living daylights out of you. By that I mean do not stop making art, do not stop singing and do not bow out of the homecoming race! Yeah, that's right, I said homecoming race.
As long as you keep your sense of humor and kindness towards others, you'll be fine. Please listen to me when I tell you to stop worrying about what other people in school think of you! You had a good high school experience, but you would have gotten so much more out of it if you would have taken advantage of your strengths instead of masking them at times because of possible scrutiny from your peers. I'm not saying we could have been the next Picasso, American Idol or homecoming princess, but you could have tried. You will never have to wonder "what if." Don't let others determine the decisions you make for yourself. Love yourself, and pursue what makes you happy.
Be Patient
Do not be in a hurry to find a boyfriend.
I know you're wondering why the boys never pay you any attention, and you're sick of your guy friends going on and on about the girls who are early bloomers, but just hang in there kid. For one, you do not want a guy that is just looking at your body.Your backside will come in... trust me.
There are girls in high school that get all of the attention, and I know we are not one of them, but your time will come. I won't tell you when, because that will just spoil the wonderful surprise, but your Prince Charming will find you at the right time. While the girls in high school are soaking up all the boys' time... you focus on kicking butt for college and having as much fun as you can with your friends so that you are ready when your man comes along. He will love you and all of your craziness (and I mean all), he will honestly think you're better off without makeup even though we both know that is a lie, he'll make you feel like the most special woman on earth, and he will be the sweetest, most funniest, and most sassiest man you have ever met with the cutest dimples you've ever seen. And I'm telling you, do not settle for anyone that does not meet that description, or I will hurt you!
Never Stop Learning
Knowledge is power!
Try not to study just to get the grade you want, because you do not retain information that way. Study for the knowledge. Look at it as becoming an expert on the topic at hand; if you do this, then you will be more likely to actually remember information after you finish a test. No one can take what's inside of your head away from you.
This is important because you need to learn as much as you can in order to think for yourself with a sound mind. You don't want to follow the popular opinion all of the time, because the popular opinion isn't always going to be the right one. You need to stand your ground, but be well informed when building your foundation of beliefs. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you will be respected and trusted for it as well. Respect and trust are not to be taken for granted, and always keep in mind that you are only as good as your word. Don't be like Hillary Clinton... her word is about as reliable as a wet paper bag. Again, you'll understand that more in the coming years.
Smile
Mom is right, we really do scowl a lot. In the coming years you'll come to find that this is labeled as "resting bitch face." If you cannot correct it, we will just continue to own it!
This is all I have for you now, but I do think that it is enough. Please take these words to heart and trust me. Keep your chin up, never lose your sass, pray especially when you need a little more strength, and know that the best is yet to come!
Love you!
Your Future Self
