Do you ever wish that you could write a letter to your younger self? To let little 14-year-old you know that, even though they have no idea what they're doing or who they are right now, everything is going to turn out just fine? Just to give them a little advice as someone who's been there before? Me too. So this is a letter directed not only to my younger self, but to all the young girls out there right now, who are trying to find their own place in the world.
Dear sweet girl,
Hey, it's me. I just wanted to tell you that no matter what you're going through or how crazy teenage life gets, everything is going to turn out just fine. I know you're worried about fitting in—wearing cool clothes and hanging out with the popular crowd—but remember never to lose sight of the person that you are just in order to fit in. Remember that the only person you should try to impress is yourself, and that piling on make up is not the right way to build confidence (go easy on the eyeliner and brightly colored eye shadow—looking back the pictures will make you cringe).
High school is going to throw you through loops, ups and downs, and highs and lows. Enjoy the good times; there will be so many, and you need to cherish the memories. In the crazy, drama-filled times, learn from them. Be careful about what you say to your friends when you're upset, and never put another girl down because of your own insecurities. You might lose a friend or two over stupid things, but your true best friends are going to be there hugging you goodbye and crying with you before you leave for college. Reply to the group texts and let them know that you love them, because you're going to miss them a whole heck of a lot when you're 300 miles away at college.
When the boy you thought you loved breaks your heart, I promise it's actually not the end of the world. Let's be honest, he really wasn't that great, and there's so much more out there for you than that guy on the football team or that kid with a nice car. I promise you that you are going to meet a boy who will love you for you, and who will move mountains to make you happy. Yes, he actually exists—trust me—and you'll find yourself being thankful for all the heartaches, because it led you to something so much better.
I hope your never tell your mom that you hate her, no matter how mad you are. You are going to butt heads with her because you're a stubborn teenager, and sometimes, you'll slam your door and scream into your pillow. But remember that your momma is your biggest fan, and she loves you more than you'll ever know. She is just trying to raise you as best as she can. And make sure that when your dad wants to go out for breakfast and coffee at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, you go. I don't care if you stayed up until 2 after a football game on Friday night, go. You will always be his little girl, and I promise that you will be grateful for those mornings later on.
Don't obsess over having Ugg boots and Lululemon yoga pants just because everyone else has them, because that shirt you got at T.J. Maxx for $8.99 is way better anyways. Remember that the amount of likes you get on your Instagram pictures really doesn't matter, and just because that girl on your news feed got 437 likes doesn't mean she's any better of a person than you. I know that you're going to feel insecure sometimes, and that you'll crave social acceptance, but you will make the best relationships if you remember to be nothing but yourself.
Most importantly, I hope you know that even on your worst day, you are so loved. By your family, your friends, and by God. Remember that you need to do what makes you happy first and foremost, but to always be there for your friends and family. I hope you know that you are capable, brave, and strong, even when it feels like you're not. Know that you are beautiful, but you have so much more to offer than your looks. Like Pinterest once told me: "Never let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big." And most of all, know that you are going to grow up to live an amazing life and that everything is going to work out just fine.
Love,
Someone just like you.
