Dear middle school me,
First and foremost: oh goodness, are you in for a wild ride!
The weeks, months, and years ahead of you will bring more change than you ever could have imagined. I know you hate change and part of you probably always will, but you'll soon learn that you have to open your mind if you want to keep on keepin' on in this world.
Let's set things straight -- you do not "absolutely need" a cell phone. You keep begging Mom and Dad for one every Christmas and birthday, and eventually they'll cave, but your thumbs don't have to be constantly glued to the tiny keys on the slide-up keyboard. Being able to text your friends outside of school is cool, but remember the importance of face to face conversation, especially as technology gets smarter.
Take a leaf out of Buddy the Elf's book and keep "singing loud for all to hear." That goes for both singing and speaking. Don't let your voice be silenced.
Life kinda sucks when your best friend since you were 6 years old moves far away to Tennessee, I know. You're probably terrified that you won't ever find true friends at school, but give it time. The people who are meant to be in your life will show up sooner than you think, and you're going to make countless memories with them. These girls will make you happy beyond belief and support you through the highs and lows, so don't take them for granted!
You've gotta give up the Justice clothing obsession eventually, girl! "Hannah Montana" will end soon and sparkly skirts over leggings will go out of style. You may be desperately trying to salvage your childhood but trust me, it's time to start checking out Delia's and Forever 21. Adolescence is coming.
Boys are wonderful but also stupid and their opinion of you does not matter at all.
Throughout middle and high school most people will just know you as "the smart girl who reads too many books"...own that label instead of being discouraged by it. Embrace it as a part of who you are, but not all of who you are. Walk through the library with your head held high and let the excitement of new reading material guide you. Be proud of your thirst for knowledge.
Tell your parents and grandparents you love them more often.
That boy you've had a major crush on since you first laid eyes on him at summer daycare? Yeah...sorry, sweetheart, he's gay. But you were drawn to him for a reason, so don't get caught up in the pain of young heartbreak or let your emotions build a wall between the two of you. He's your friend soulmate. You will both grow and walk your different paths of life together, and he will be there through it all. As time goes by, open your eyes and realize that he understands you better than anyone else. Cherish him.
Get rid of your cringeworthy Silly Bandz collection as soon as possible.
In a few years you'll finally meet the Jonas Brothers, your favorite band in the entire world, the boys whose music has been the soundtrack to your life. You surprisingly won't break down in tears in front of them and the experience will be everything you're dreaming of. Then the JoBros will unexpectedly break up three months later...and it's going to hurt like hell. But you'll get through it, and you'll always love them.
Contact lenses are a blessing and a half. Get ready for four eyes no more!
Keep writing!!! You are a painter of words. They can bend and twist under your careful control to do amazing things. Storytelling is your passion and you'll realize that it's what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Please stop underestimating yourself. When you wake up and look in the mirror each morning, believe that you can handle anything life throws your way. I know it's hard, but tell yourself you're strong, hardworking, beautiful, and all of the adjectives you apply to every other girl in the world except you. Learn to validate your own feelings instead of counting on other people to do it for you, and face your problems head on. Having healthy self-esteem now will spare you a lot of difficult, dark times in the future.
Growing up is scary, but you don't have to go it alone. No one has all the answers, and that's okay. Ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for help when you know you need it.
Don't dumb yourself down for anyone.
You have a lot of dreams....dreams that usually require money. Know when to use your powers of persuasion on Mom and Dad and when to hold off. Also, start saving money now, because God knows in a few years you'll be a broke adult regretting all of those late night ice cream runs.
Don't let yourself forget sunrises, sunsets, the ocean, the feeling of grass under your bare feet, blue skies, or hidden back roads.
Get out of your comfort zone so you can find yourself. Listen to new music and watch interesting films. Never quiet your adventurous spirit, keep dreaming, find beauty in reality, stay curious, appreciate the little things, and live unapologetically. You've got this, kid!
Love,
Your college self
