Hey, angsty 13-year old Siri.
Life is tough sometimes with family stresses, friends, school, and mental health. But you have a family that does more than provide food and shelter for you; your family loves you. And I know that’s hard to comprehend right now. One day you’ll mature and thank your dad for pushing you as hard as he did. You’ll be thankful for your life.
1. Being well-liked isn’t nearly as admirable as being original. Don’t laugh at things just because everyone else is laughing at them. Don’t agree with the cool kids about how stupid the assigned reading is (because you know you’re excited to stay up and finish the book in one night!). Don’t be so silent when you have a contradictory opinion. Don’t be afraid to be weird and yourself.
2. It’s okay to not have religion figured out yet. Your almost-21-year-old-self (almost there!) is still working on that. Hell, the majority of the world is. After delving into multiple perspectives and diverse ideologies, think about what makes sense to you. And remember you don’t need to have your mind made up to a concrete decision. Just let yourself ask questions and remain curious.
3. Boys are just as awkward as you are when you’re around them. And that statement is just from my mainly heterosexual perspective; I don’t mean to exclude any reader to this. Let me rephrase: everyone is awkward. The person you have a crush on is awkward. You’re awkward. Just embrace it. Don’t waste time recalling painfully embarrassing memories throughout the following years (I know you all do it!). It’s not worth your anxiety, and you may eventually come to accept your quirkiness.
4. Speaking of awkwardness, sexuality in its entirety is confusing. And you’re not alone. Sexuality changes and comes and goes throughout life. You’re young. Even when you’re older you don’t need to have the answers.
5. Friendship grows and changes. Your best friend of 12 years may be fading, your other best friend may be moving, and you may feel ostracized often, but as you develop, they change too. Years down the road, things may rekindle. You never know where life will lead you, or to whom.
6. You won’t have to wear glasses forever. You’ll eventually get over your fear of putting things in your eyes, and you will successfully get contacts in. Let’s thank the universe for that. (And ask our future self for Lasik!)
7. Stop worrying about your outer appearance so much. That neon, glittery Victoria Secret eyeliner and those oversized Hollister sweatshirts will grow out of style and fade away. Focus on the moment and the memories you’re making. Memories of sleepovers with friends, reading books at the lake, and long conversations with your mom will remain. (I appreciate you keeping those sweatshirts though, because they’re perfect for bonfires where it’s dark!)
Stop listening to depressing P!nk songs. Keep dancing alone in your room to those 2000’s songs. Continue drawing comics of your evolving life. Stay awkward. Stay odd. Embrace yourself; never repress.
Look forward to the crazy, remarkable, fun experiences you’ll only continue to have.
