More often than not, we seem to find ourselves reminiscing about the past. We remember the best and worst of our pasts and see how much we have changed since. I often find myself wishing I could go back in time and change some of the decisions I made (like cutting my long, luscious locks of hair off when I was 11). We want to go back and correct our mistakes, and just remind our younger selves that everything is going to be OK.
To my 14-year-old self:
Right around this time, you'll be getting ready to start your freshman year of high school. You're nervous, of course, but don't fret. You're worried about having to make new friends, since most of your old ones from middle school went to other high schools. You're about to enter a new chapter of your life in a whole new place, so you have every reason to be nervous honestly! I'm here to just give you a few words of wisdom, because I have done everything you're about to do (since I am you, of course).
First off, do not wear that Mickey Mouse crop top with the black tank top to school on the first day. I know you think it's the cutest thing ever, but I promise it's not. Also, please don't eat whatever it was you ate that night for dinner that caused you to get sick and miss the rest of your first week of school.
Don't be so shy. When a cute guy tells you you're pretty and tries to make friends with you, let him. Don't be scared of taking some chances. But on the note of chances, don't sell yourself so quickly.
Now I don't mean it that way; what I mean is don't give your heart away to the first guy you like. You're going to get your heart broken. A lot. You're still so young and have so much time to go. I promise it's going to be OK.
Continue to do well in school. We’ve always been pretty good at it, but high school is no time to stop that. It's the most important time. What you do now is going to determine your future in college. Stay with it, and don't ever stoop on your studies; your bank account in college is going to thank you for it later!
Take some time to have fun. I know that it's hard to let loose and have fun. But do it. Don't not go to the movie because you don't want to ask Mom to take you, just go. It's the opportunities you didn't take to be with your friends that you'll miss the most when you graduate.
Remember to tell people you love them. It's a part of life to lose people, and we rarely ever see it coming. Never, ever forget to take the time to tell the ones you love that you love them, and spend time with those you love too. Before you know it, you'll be moving out and going to college!
And most importantly, have fun. As you enter this new chapter in your life, remember to enjoy it. Enjoy every last prom, homecoming, football game, family gathering, holiday, etc. They'll be gone before you know it! Stay young as long as you can, because adulthood will hit you faster than you can see it coming.
Enjoy everything. Embrace this life you have been given, and thank God for it. I'm so happy with who we’ve grown up to be, and I know you will too (because of course, I am you).
With much love,
Yourself at 18
