Dear 12-Year-Old Me,

I know you're probably busy fighting with your brothers or playing tetherball outside, but just take a minute to read this. Right now, I know you're feeling out of place in life and are anxious to become a "grown up."

Plot twist! Being a grown-up is way more confusing, so just take your time learning who you are before you decide to grow up too fast.

I really want to start off by telling you that the kids who are mean to you will eventually leave you alone. I want you to know that you'll gain some amazing friends in the next ten years of life, and you get to keep some special ones along the way. Nothing that's happening right now is insurmountable. I want you to just relax and enjoy the moment. I want you to look around and be grateful for all the good that is happening in your life because I know how easy it is for you to get caught up in the small stresses of life.

I also have some advice for you... First, that Joshua guy in your Sunday school class is kind of a big deal, don't forget that! I know he plays soccer instead of football, but he's kind of ok.

Second, stop thinking of ways to sell your/our brothers. I know they may seem obnoxious now, but they'll be even more obnoxious in the future and you won't know what to do without them.

Third, for the love of God and all that's holy, don't EVER wear blue eye shadow! You may think you look great when you're 16, but I promise that you'll look back on the pictures and cringe.

Fourth, stop worrying about every little thing. Stop worrying about who may or may not like you. Stop worrying about being perfect. Don't stress yourself out over the opinions of others because the people who really matter, will always, always be there.

Fifth, never give up on music. You will try to shy away from it because you'll feel like you're not good enough, and you'll let the influence of others take away the joy that it brings you and it will take you years to get that joy back. Don't ever, ever, ever let anyone take away your love for music.

Lastly, spend more time with your grandpa. I know you're with him a lot already, and I know you may think that there's no way you could spend even more time with him because you're busy, but you can and you will want those moments back more than anything later in life.

You're doing great and you're going to continue to do great. Persist through it all because the next ten years are going to be full of adventures.

You are loved.

Love,

22 Year-Old You