Congrats! You just turned 12, you're on your way to middle school, and you think you know everything.
I hate to break it to you, but you don't. Middle school is not the greatest adventure of your life. There will be bigger and better adventures. Trust me, I hated middle school. I wish I knew the things listed below while I had the chance. So read them. They are for your benefit.
1. Stay young while you can
It is very tempting to want to grow up fast and to do everything you can to make that happen. Dressing like you are 20 with crop tops and short shorts make you seem like you are mature enough to handle the responsibilities at come with being an adult. Trust me, you're not ready to go to college, live on your own, and pay your own bills. Don't let social media pressure you into being someone you're not. When I was 13, I didn't have a smart phone. I didn't have a Snapchat, Instagram, or Twitter. I didn't need those things to make me happy.
Sit back, relax, and actually be young.
2. Don't change yourself for a boy.
This is one of the hardest concepts to grasp at this age. I know in middle school, having a boyfriend seems like the ultimate prize. But in reality, boys will come and go. Their idea of an ideal girlfriend will constantly change, so do not feel like you have to also change. The person that God made you to be is the person you should always be. If he likes you, he should like you for you. He should love the funny, outgoing, and beautiful girl that is you. Don't ever let a guy tell you otherwise.
3. Your relationship most likely won't last forever.
The first person who shows interest in you will make you go crazy. You'll believe they are the only one who will ever think that highly of you. I hate to say it, but you're wrong. Guys will break your heart more than once; it is going to hurt, but you have to tell yourself that with every heart break, comes a new guy with a new chance. As you mature, you start to realize what you want in a boyfriend, and the guy you are dating in middle school will most likely not shape up to be the person you picture yourself with in the future.
4. Get involved.
I am sure your school has many clubs and organizations. By joining those, you can find something that really interests you and run with it. You may also find a group of friends that you will have forever. This time is really important for finding out the type of person you want to be.
5. Learn to appreciate what your parents do for you; they will be your biggest fans.
I bet you fight with your parents all the time. You think you know everything, but to be honest, your parents have been there and tried to pull the same stunts, and it also backfired for them. Ask them for advice; they will never turn you down. The love they have for you is unconditional, and they don't want you to make the same mistakes they did.
6. Work hard in school.
Even though colleges don't take into account your middle school years, working hard and studying only the paves the way for greatness in the future. If you learn how to study and take notes in middle school, imagine how great you can do in high school, and, better yet, college.
7. Watch what you say on social media.
Once you post something on social media, even if you delete it, people have seen or read it, and you can't get out of it. It's not classy or mature to cuss or put down other people. Words really can hurt. What you might not realize is that future employers will check this site, even before you interview. If they see something they don't like, you won't even get a chance. So save yourself the hassle and just watch what you say.
8. Put your phone down and spend time with your family.
As you get older, so do your parents. This means that the time you have with them will begin to get shorter and shorter. There is so much going on in this world outside of a little rectangle block in your hand. Put it down and look up. You might experience some of the best adventures that don't involve technology. Weird that can happen, right?
But trust me when I say that life is better when you're actually living it.
9. Smoking and drinking underage is not cool, even though your friends will tell you otherwise.
Both of these can get you in serious trouble. One, it is against the law, and two, you can damage your future and body if these are taken too far. Also, the wrath and disappointment from your parents are just the beginning. A judge will not be that nice to you. It is best to wait until you are of legal age.
10. Challenge yourself to step outside your box.
Doing things that will be uncomfortable for you will actually be beneficial in the end. You might latch onto something that really intrigues you. You might become outgoing when you actually thought you were shy. You might like being a leader, even though you were always the follower. If you get the chance to try something new, do it.
Middle school can be great while it lasts. But remember, life happened before middle school, and it will continue to happen after middle school. There will be heartaches, there will be triumphs. Stay young while you can and love your parents. Live your life to the fullest and cherish every second of it.
