Room To Grow

Dear 15/16 year old me,

Let me tell you right now: life doesn’t get easier. I know, I know, you’re looking forward to leaving home - being on your own. I know your heart is about to be smashed into smithereens, and it feels like life is over - it’s not. I promise. You’ll (eventually) get over the heartache, and realize that life is too short to dwell on the past. You want some advice?

• Don’t let your insecurities get in your way. Embrace yourself: your personality, your passions, and your body. Yes. You are skinny. Trust me - compared to your 20/21 year-old self… you’re skinny.
• Embrace all those friendships you’ve got with the boys, but don’t be afraid to embrace your feminine side as well. Just because you’re “one of the guys” doesn’t mean you have to be all the time. Wear a skirt to school - shock those boys! Remind them that you’re a girl - even though you love the same things they do.
• When you have a problem with Leah…. talk to her about it. She’s been your best friend for so long she’s practically your sister. Don’t bottle everything up. Believe it or not, your friendship will end because you keep everything to yourself. And at the moment… maybe that sounds like a good thing. But when you’re 21… you’ll miss her. Desperately.
• You know that guy in your Spanish class? The one that’s really super annoying sometimes, and keeps pestering you, and trying to make you talk to him during class? Just give in and talk to him. Trust me… holding out until the class is almost over - it’s not worth it. This kid will radically change your life. Yeah - he’s got a lot of problems, but… you’ll help him work through them. He’ll become a Christian, and do a 180* towards Christ. Yeah, he’s still got his vices, but… somehow it won’t really matter when you’re 21. You’ll worry about him because he’s fighting in Afghanistan. You’ll wish you’d had more time with him; so take it. Hang out with him. Don’t give up on him! You’ll thank me for it when you’re older.
• I know you’re excited about life after high school, and I’m glad that you realize there is life after high school, but… don’t forget to experience high school. When you’re 21, you’ll realize that you had no social life, and a part of you will regret that.
• Embrace your faith. Learn all you can while you’re home and in a “comfortable” environment. And get ready. When you’re not comfortable - you’ll be forced to grow on your own: teach yourself, and learn lessons the hard way.
• Don’t get so excited about psychology! You’re not going to do that!!! When you finally go off to college - pick Animal Science! It’ll make life much easier on your 21-year-old self.
• Start saving money. Yesterday. Seriously. You’re gonna try to buy a horse, so save your money.
• Spend as much time with your parents as you can. I know they seem immortal, but I promise you, they aren’t. Your dad’s gonna get sick, and it’s going to scare you into reality. Don’t freak out - he’s ok, but…. enjoy the time you’ve got with them.

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