Dear Teen Me

Dear Teen Me,

The next few years of your life won't be easy. You're in a new place. You're alone, scared, and about to embark on a whole new stage of life. I know this all sounds horrible, but bear with me! I have some advice that you need to know.

First, nothing is scarier than making new friends, but the reward is totally worth the effort.

Getting braces sucks. There's no way around the fact, so deal with it.

Sometimes it's better to be the weird one than to be one of the herd.

It's okay to be the "innocent one" in your group of friends. You'll understand all of the sex jokes eventually.

Never avoid your problems. They will eventually come back and bite you in the butt.

Your older brother might be a genius, but that doesn't mean you have to be.

Although you should still do your best in school no matter what.

Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. Some of them will come true.

First love is a whirlwind of laughter, warm embraces, and sweet nothings. It is totally worth the ride.

Be nice to the people you don't like. It confuses them.

Your body is a temple. Treat it like one.

Comic books will always be cool. So will Star Wars.

Be a rock for your friends, but don't get involved in their drama. You have enough of your own to deal with.

People will come and go in your life. The ones who really matter will stay with you forever.

It's okay to cry sometimes. No one will think you're weak because of it.

Take charge once in a while. Your classmates will respect you for it.

Driving is not as exciting as you think. Just make sure Mom signs you up for the class.

You are stronger than you think.

Choose your nicknames wisely. Some of them will stick with you for the rest of your life.

High school only lasts for four years, thank goodness.

Mom and Dad love you, even if they don't understand you.

When in doubt, write. Your imaginary worlds make reality bearable at the worst of times.

The luxuries of life are much cooler when you earn them yourself. The spoiled, rich kids you go to school with don't know what they're missing.

Grandma and Papa are really awesome. Spend as much time as you can with them and listen to their stories.

If at first you fail, try, try again.

There are people in this world who will tease you for being different. Ignore them.

Your friends will spend a lot of time telling you how beautiful and talented you are. Believe them.

Things change. Make the best of it and keep moving forward.

Go on college tours. They're tedious and boring, but so much better than any pictures the schools have online.

Be mischievous once in a while. Just don't get into too much trouble.

Stand up for what you believe in. I can't guarantee that everyone will agree with you, but it's better to use your voice than stay silent.

A little kindness goes a long way.

You are never truly alone. If you ever doubt that, count in your head the number of people who love you.

Embrace your imperfections. There is no such thing as perfect and the sooner you realize that, the better.

Don't fight your weaknesses. Work with them.

Music will always be your second love in life. Never forsake it.

Be honest with yourself. It's hard, and it hurts, but it's better than being a liar.

You are a work in progress. It will take time to become the person you want to be.

Most importantly, everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, then it's not the end.

Love,
Your Adult Self