Dear 16 Year-old Me,

Dear 16 year old me,

Hi. I have been thinking about you lately, and I thought of some things that I know now that I wish I would've known when I was your age. Funny, how we always learn the lesson or principle right after we could have used that knowledge for our own, or someone else's, benefit. So, you're 16. It's the summer before your junior year in high school and you're working at Anna's Kinderland, falling in love with those adorable children who sometimes make you want to pull your hair out. But it's the best job ever because when they wake up from a nap and their groggy tired selves want nothing more than to sit on your lap and feel loved and comforted, it makes you feel needed. You'll be trying out for the high school team again in a month or so; of course you'll make it, but you'll be nervous nonetheless. You'll have some of the best times of your life with those girls, cherish them. Sweat til you feel like you are about to pass out, laugh til you're bawling and your sides ache, cry because losing sucks, and celebrate because a victory makes the pain so so worth it.

There are some general things you should probably know:

First, I want you to know that you're unlike any one else you'll ever meet. And that fact makes you beautiful, powerful, and able to to so much more than you now think is possible. Your flaws and shortcomings make you human, they make you normal, and they give you opportunities for growth and improvement. Don't sell yourself short. Don't be afraid to try something hard and go for that which seems just out of reach, you're not always going to get it, but sometimes you will and it will make all the hard work absolutely worth it. You can do hard things.

Second, high school can be hard. Not the school work (that's a piece of cake), the people. But you should know that most of them aren't judging you as harshly as you think; they would love to be your friend if you'd smile and let them in. Sure, some of them don't give a rats @$$ about you, but who cares?? There are plenty of people to love you; you have some incredible friends that you'll still keep in touch with five years from now.

Third, boys. In about a year you'll be head over heels for a boy who will end up breaking your heart. And then it'll happen with another boy a year later. And another and another. It's going to suck, and you're going to cry. BUT! I promise you it's worth it. Each time you'll learn something about yourself, about what you can do, what you need and what's most important to you. Please don't let yourself get too down, try to remember that it's all a learning process. Don't be afraid to try, don't be afraid to open up and fall in love. ‎"You just have to go after what you want and if it doesn't want you back then so be it; it doesn't deserve you anyways." There is only one guy who truly deserves you and when you find him, it'll make everyone else seem dwarfish in comparison. I can tell you this, you're going to spend the next five years of your life looking for him, we still arent' sure we've found him yet. But I know he's out there.

Forth, rely on Christ. I'm telling you: He's the ONLY person who will be there for you all the time. He'll never leave you. He wants you to be happy and successful; He is anxious for your peace. Trust Him, fall on your knees and talk with Him. And, most importantly, LISTEN and OBEY.

Fifth, I think you're probably starting to figure this out already, but you have the BEST parents in the universe. Honesty girlie, they rock. They are so incredibly supportive and loving. Please tell them; they want to hear it. They want you to know they love you and that you love them. Don't take them for granted... you'll regret it later. Promise.

Well, I'm sure there's more so please keep in touch. Love you.

-- 21 year old you