Dear Middle School Me,

I know that right now your life is awkward and confusing and stressful, but you’re gonna be just fine. I know that for a fact. I know you will turn out alright, but here is some advice that I wish I would have heard every. single. day.

Do not worry about “fitting in.” The supposed cool kids at school won’t be all that cool to you once you get older and you think about the person you want to become. You don’t have to change who you are so that certain kids will talk to you or make you feel good enough. You know why? Because the people around you don’t define who you truly are. You are loved, beautiful, and special because you have a Creator who formed you to be just the way you are, not so that you can try to be like someone else. Find your identity in Christ, not things, or accomplishments, or groups of people. I can’t stress that enough.

Choose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with people who are obedient, respectful, uplifting, joyful, and a positive influence. These are the types of people you want to be around during this interesting time of life. You want a support system that will love you and enjoy this awkward stage of life with you, instead of judge you.

Don’t focus on boys, just don’t do it. Chances are you’re not going to fall in love with your middle school “boyfriend” and marry them 10 years later. Focus on your friendships and your family, instead of your crushes. People are still finding out who they are in middle school, so most likely they won’t be the same person in college, and neither will you. Your “boyfriend” can’t drive you to dinner or the movies or anywhere, so it’s really not a date. Awkward hugs at the locker and sweaty hand holding in public with that boy can be avoided, so avoid it. No boys until high school or later (trust me on this one).

Try new things. Get that haircut, try out for that team, audition for that show, wear that outfit you’ve wanted to wear. This is the time of your life when it’s OK to find things that you like. Have fun finding out things about yourself. Be brave and make choices that you’ve wanted to make for a while. You may just look back on that day and be so glad you went to that audition or that you spoke to the new girl. Maybe you’ll realize that you hate playing that sport or that blue is not your eye shadow color, but who cares? You’ll grow up and laugh at the things you tried, which leads me to:

Don’t take life so seriously. You got a ‘B’ on that test? OK, study harder next time instead of crying over it. You like a boy and he doesn’t feel the same way? OK, go pull out your flip phone and tell your friend a joke instead of whining over it for weeks. You spilt your water all over you and it looked like you peed yourself? Laugh about it with your best friends and then change the subject instead of running to the bathroom holding back the tears. Enjoy your life, don’t be so self-conscious all the time because it doesn’t matter what people think about the little things. Just laugh it off and remember that tomorrow is a new day.

More challenging things will come your way that you never could have imagined, so appreciate your life right now. Don’t take your life for granted. Call your grandparents, watch movies with Mom and Dad, volunteer because you want to help someone, pray for that friend in need, and tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them. You have a beautiful life and God has great things planned for you, so don’t worry about the future. The Lord will carry you through hard times now and the harder things to come. Understand that He is your rock, your strong tower, and that He will guide you through all things.

Find a great mentor. Thankfully, you caught onto this one towards the end of middle school, but find that person that you can trust. That person who believes in you, encourages you daily, and points you to Him. You will be so glad to have that person in your life during these awkward times and as you’re growing up. This person will be your role model and one of your heroes. You can always count on them and you will love them for that. Don’t forget to tell them how much they mean to you.

Middle school is full of transitions and funny outfits and little girl drama, but you will make it past that. Value your life right now; all of these seemingly meaningless moments will make you into the person you will become. You have your family to rely on and your mentor to support you now, but most importantly you have a God who loves you forever. You are His and that will never change. Hold onto that truth.

With love,

College Me