Dear high school self,

Here’s some advice to the 14 year old me.

Don’t give up because even though it might not feel like it, it will get better. Don’t give up because you have so much left to do and you are more than capable of doing it. So what, you did bad on a test? The number on the paper does NOT determine your worth. You are worth so much more than a number on a piece of paper. It is not the end of the world. You can always do something to change it, but the minute you give up it truly is over.

Don’t lose hope in the future, the possibility of what could be, and the magic of what could happen. I can tell you so many awesome things are in store for you. An experience is what you make of it. You’re the one who decides if you are having a good time or a bad one. Keep shooting for the stars because it can only help you because having a dream is so important. Don’t let anyone, even yourself, step on your dreams to lift themselves up. Because normal people don’t go around breaking down other human beings. Don’t fear the uncertain, embrace it.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. You are going to get a lot of opportunities to try new things whether it be horseback riding or eating ramen so enjoy every second of it. Do not pretend to like something because you want to look cool or get people to like you. Get involved in things you never thought you would see yourself in. getting involved can bring you to so many new places and people. You have the possibility to meet your new best friend or someone who could make a huge difference in your life. You will never know if you don’t try, it could be one of your new favorite things.

Be yourself. Be yourself because at the end of the day that’s all you can be. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not to try to get a boyfriend or have someone like you. Because if they don’t like the real you than there is something wrong with them and they don’t deserve to know you anyway. This also goes for people who try to change you into the person that they think you should be. In the words of a very imaginative man “be yourself because those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter”.

Don’t be afraid to admit when you need help. I know you feel like you shouldn’t ask for because you see it as a sign of weakness but trust me that will soon become one of your biggest strengths. When life gets tough it is important to not handle the burden all by yourself because you don’t need to. You have so many supports that you shouldn’t feel all alone.

Hug your friends and family as much as you can. This one is important because you will learn the hard way that the people we love are not around forever so you need to let them know you love them while you have them.

Love,

Me