Dear 13-Year-Old Self,

Welcome to your teenage years. You have a lot ahead of you and I'm sorry, but it isn't going to be easy. You will make mistakes, and guess what? It will not be the end of the world. You're more than what you give yourself credit for. And there is not a single person who should make you feel anything less than great.

High school might seem scary now but trust me, enjoy it while it lasts. It will not be the prime of your life but regardless, it is a great time. Confidence is key and believing in your choices makes all the difference. If you want to be daring with a new outfit or winged eyeliner, go for it. Do not let anyone's perception of you change what you like. Even if your lips end up looking like Miranda Sings, at least you were being yourself. If you become a cookie cutter of what you think people want from you, you'll regret it. Ending your teenage years, you will be happy with the style your experimentation has fanned out to create.

Girls are mean. You've been dealing with them before this point but now you're a teenager, and it doesn't make them nicer. Girls will be catty—and spoiler alert—you will have to get through sneaky three-way phone calls. No matter how bad it gets, and trust me you didn't deal with as much as other people, you will survive. Your sister will buy you Friendly's when you're upset and you will undoubtedly end your teenage years with the best group of girls you could hope for.

Boys are mean, too, but you shouldn't waste your time. I warn you not to waste your time because there's a lot I wish I could've done without. A lot of these boys will pretend they have feelings or change their mind about you, so always be on your toes. I've had good times and bad, however there are times I wish I could've done without, so I warn you. I do not mean that all boys are evil but for most teenage boys, they only want one thing and just don't be easy to give. A time will come where these boys will turn into men, and they will earn your heart but until then, just gain respect and keep you head up.

Lastly, dream big. Always have a goal and even if you fall short, you're still better off than having nothing to strive for. Do not let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Thirteen is just the start to all the life the rest of your teenage years have to offer. Enjoy it while it lasts and take every day as it comes.

xoxo

Your 19-Year-Old Self