With my birthday being a couple weeks away, I've been thinking about what my fifteen year-old self would think of me now. What would I tell her? What advice could she give because I sure do need it these days.

So I figured I'd write her a letter.

Dear Me,

You're probably sitting in your room studying as always or probably doing chores around the house cause it was the weekend and it was designated cleaning day. So I'm here to talk to you about a few things.

First off, there is nothing wrong with wearing a little blush on your cheeks. Wearing make-up doesn't make your a prostitute. Just don't go crazy with the foundation alright. Second, take it easy on your hair alright. The braids are gonna make your edges non-existent so let your hair breath for a good month. Short hair is not the end of the world. Third, don't expect to be engaged in college. Trust me, the five-year plan crap that you and Sierra joke about during the mile in gym is unrealistic. trust me, you guys have plenty of time to live before you think about settling down.

Alright, now on to serious stuff. I know you feel like no one understands. That you have some sort of legacy to live up to in this family. That you think that the only thing that's important is school instead of having a life. Open your ears and listen to what I'm about to tell you. STOP WORRYING.

You're young. Go off and have fun. Yes, school's important but so is living while you still can. Don't have those moments where you ask yourself 'what if". It's okay to make a couple of mistakes. They're there so we could learn from them and be better than we used to be. You're the oldest but you're still a kid. Don't think about what other people think of you cause it dosen't matter now and it isn't going to matter five years from now.

You are beautiful, you are kind, you are strong, and you are fearless. Never let anyone dull out the light in you. When one door closes, open another one or break the first one done. Be extrodinary in a world that is ordinary.

Happy Birthday Babe.

Love,

Twenty Year Old Me