Hey lady bug!
News flash! Many years later, Dad still calls you that — and you still love it! I know you aren't a big fan of reading long paragraphs, so I made this a little more interesting for you. Here's hoping you will actually read the whole thing and not just skim, like how you used to (and maybe sometimes still do.)
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Around this time, you are getting ready to start high school and life is about to get really challenging. It's one thing to start at a new school where the upperclassmen drive cars (weird, right?) but high school is so much more than that. These are some things I wish someone told when I was 14.
Always go with your gut.
Sometimes your heart knows things your mind just can't explain.
Don't be afraid of losing your friends.
People change and you will lose some of your best friends, or those you thought were your friend. It's going to be hard, but you don't need that negative energy in your life. Don't continue to be friends with someone who constantly puts you down and tells you how stupid they think you are. It's not worth it, Em. Quality over quantity, any day.
Stay focused and stick to your morals.
People will try to bring you down and pressure you. Remember who you are and don't forget where you are heading.
Surround yourself with people who you aspire to be.
They will inspire you every single day. Motivation is contagious.
Boys suck.
Well, most of them do. At least the ones you go for do. You will form a strong group of guy friends who will support you through thick and thin. Cherish them. They are the ones you call at 2 a.m. when you're crying your eyes out. They also give the best hugs.
You will have your heart broken many times. As I'm writing this I'm heartbroken, so prepare yourself for what could be coming. Don't hide your pain from people. Sometimes all you need is a hug from mom and to have your friends threaten to beat him up. Heartbreak isn't the end of the world. I know it may seem like it is at the time, but remember that even at your best, you will never be good enough for the wrong person. Don't ever reduce yourself to be someone's "side chick." You are worth so much more than that. I have faith in you that, eventually, you will find the one who treats you like the princess you are and don't let anyone treat you any less. I'm sure you will have your heart broken more in the future; just know that you will get stronger every time and it will get easier. Remember how beautiful you are. Any guy would be lucky to have you in their life. I'm so excited for the day when we meet that one!
Life isn't always easy.
You will fail, but just because you fail doesn't mean you give up. There will come a time in your life when you want to give up everything. Don't. Life is going to break you but you are going to get through it. You may be tired of hearing this, but it does get better. I promise. I wouldn't be writing this letter to you if it weren't true. Right?
Congrats!
You will surprise yourself! You will accomplish things that you never thought possible. You worked your butt off for it and you deserve it. Be proud of who you are, be proud of what you do, and don't stop doing what you love. Ever.
You will get into college.
SPOILER ALERT! You won't know at first, but it's everything you ever hoped for in a college. I'm so proud of you! I knew you could do it!
You are so beautiful.
You are your biggest critic. You will look in the mirror one day and tear yourself down in every way. Just remember that you are your own kind of beautiful. Embrace your flaws.
You have your own talents.
You had this one friend, she would always tell you how dumb you are and constantly make you feel awful about yourself. And soon enough, you started to believe her. Mom will overhear you one day telling Dad you don't think you are the brightest or smart. She will tell you how wrong you are and that we all have our own special talents. She will tell you that she may be able to punch numbers in a calculator faster than any one on Earth, but she can't do what you do and love to do every week. That makes you so special and unique.
You will eventually find yourself.
You are going to love it when you do! Once you find yourself, keep being yourself. Don't change who you are for a stupid boy or to make friends. They will want you for you not who you pretend to be.
Lastly, quit being shy.
You will learn to put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone. Take risks and never ever turn down an adventure. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
Sincerely,
College Sophomore You
P.S. One last thing, do me a favor and give Grandma a hug and a kiss every day and tell her how much you love her. Treasure every second you have with her. Time is so precious.
