This blog post is inspired by a writing prompt I came across through Pinterest:
What kind of advice can I give you? You already think you have learned it all and are an expert on life itself. On the other hand, you have a lot left yet to learn. Life is a process - you will never stop learning and will never "know it all." There is so much you have yet to learn-
About life
About relationships
About boys
About respect
There is so much I wish I could tell you to give you some perspective on who you really are and what is truly important in life. I remember you at this age all too well. You love to listen to all the boy bands of the era - 'N Sync, Backstreet Boys, LFO.
You are a conscientious student. You enjoy the academic aspect of school and strive hard to maintain good grades. In some ways, you are the typical teenage girl; you love the independence and freedom a new driver's license gives you. You love to be the one to decide what you and your friends will do on the weekends and you almost always volunteer to be the one to drive so you can be in control. You would much rather attend high school sporting events and watch from the stands than be involved in them.
For you, high school is a rite of passage. Friendships change over time. There is also a part of you that is different, a part that you want others to more fully understand...you are sensitive with feelings that are hurt easily. You are very self-conscious and a natural-born introvert unless engaging in a conversation that revolves around a topic you are either passionate about or competent in, then you are better able to dominate in the conversation. You cringe at the thought of group projects, preferring to do things on your own with your own ideas, being the one in control.
As for advice, don't let others' opinions of you influence and shape your own self-image. You don't need to be choosing the latest fashion trends to try to feel like you fit in; later on, you will be searching for a bargain over brand. Pay attention - always - even in classes that aren't as interesting. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Stop worrying...
You worry too much and then realize later that you got yourself worked up for nothing or it wasn't as bad as you thought it would be in the first place. I wish I could tell you there won't be anything to worry about in the future, but that wouldn't be true - the worries just change. Try your best to enjoy the moment instead of worrying so much about what the future may bring. In the future, you will want to be able to look back on fond memories of things you enjoyed and not moments of regret.
When you're older, you'll still remember the tragic car accident that took the life of a classmate; a true lesson on how fragile life really is and that tomorrow really is promised to no one. On the other hand, you will still remember Senior Awards Night when scholarships and grants were given out; finally your chance to shine.
Sometimes I wonder if things would have been different for you if you had known then what you do now. If only you had known you would only have held on to one main friendship with a high school friend after graduation. Would you have tried harder to nurture the other friendships? Respect your parents. They only want what is best for you. What about the rules and curfew they have for you? It is because they care and love you unconditionally, no matter what. You will be a parent some day and you will adopt a similar parenting style as theirs (believe me on this one).
I wish I could tell you to realize high school is only a short segment of life. The best is yet to come. Your college years will be some of your best years. You will be paired with the best roommate you could have hoped for; you will create many memories together. Eventually, you will be introduced to the "man of your dreams," fall in love, get married, and start a family.
Accept yourself for you who are. Change only things that should be improved. All I want for you - the same thing your parents want for you - is to be happy. The best advice I can give to you is to be the best "you" that you can be; stay true to yourself.
Sincerely,
31-year-old Molly
P.S. Just wait until you meet your son the day he is born after carrying him inside for 9 months and then the first time he melts your heart by saying, "Wuv you mommy."
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