YOU WILL BE HAPPY SOME THINGS DIDN'T WORK OUT THE WAY YOU ONCE WANTED THEM TO.
14 is a hard age and my experience was no different from that of any other awkward, self-conscious teenage. We doubt ourselves, we’re insecure, and we are trying to find out who we are in one of the most dreaded places, high school.
I WISH I HAD SOMEONE TO WALK ME THROUGH ALL THIS
A little something to help you out along the way making it bearable, sweet kid :)
1.Don’t care too much about your appearance.
You definitely could have slept in more in high school if you hadn’t been so concerned about having perfectly pin straight hair or repeating an outfit too many times. You don’t have to dress the same as every other girl in her thigh high boots and black leggings. Stressing about still having braces, buying a new wardrobe, and fitting in at a new school won’t solve any of your problems. Let it go.
2. Step out of your comfort zone.
Speak up more. Try new things. High school is a time of transition for everyone. This time will hold some of your fondest memories, but if you never take a step out of your comfort zone, you are going to miss out on a lot. Trust me, you will regret it.
3. Learn from your mistakes.
You are going to make a lot of mistakes, and I mean A LOT. Instead of dwelling on the past and beating yourself up over them, take something away from each time you screw up. You are going to hurt others and make poor choices. Learn how to say sorry. Learn to do better.
4. Don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
You do that a lot. You need to cut that out of your life because it only makes things worse. Worry about things you can control, like your reaction to stressful situations and unexpected changes. You will be better for it in the long run.
5. Stop moving so fast.
Some days, being trapped within the walls of your high school is going to feel like punishment. You are going to be tired of seeing the same faces, listening to the same teachers spew boring information at the front of the same classrooms, and walking through the same motions for what feels like an eternity. Take a step back and put things into perspective. You only have four years there to grow into the kind of person you want to be. Slow down and take your time. One day you will want pieces of it back.
YOU'LL COME AROUND, HANG IN THERE.
6. Love yourself.
You lose sight of this far too often. You have a good head on your shoulders and you have so many people around you that care about you. You have to be confident and cut yourself a break every now and then.
7. Stop fighting with your siblings so much.
Yeah, this one is going to be a little tough. They are going to steal your brand new shirt without asking, slam doors in your face, fight with you for playing time in every basketball game, and say some pretty mean things to you. Take a deep breath and just let it go. In a few years, you are going to realize that they are pretty cool and they’re going to make you laugh like no one else can.
8. Some things are better left unsaid.
People are going to hurt you and make life difficult at times. Just be patient. Be the bigger person and you’ll be better for it.
9. Everything will be OK.
High school is dramatic. You will get in stupid fights and make too big of a deal over things that don’t matter. Some days, it is going to feel like the sky is falling. Trust me, everything is going to work out.
10. Listen to your mom.
Mom knows best. As much as it hurts me to admit, she really does know what she’s talking about. Remember she is always on your side, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Also, she is a whole lot less scary once you get to college. I don’t really know where this “cool mom” came from, but I like her.
11. Be grateful.
Be grateful for the people in your life, the places you will see, the lessons you will learn, and everything that is given to you. Stop being such a spoiled brat sometimes and think about what is important. You have so much to be thankful for.
12. Embrace every day.
One day, you will cross that graduation stage in front of the most important people in your life. You will be off to your dream school. You will have met some of the best people you will ever meet. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment. It is only the beginning. Count your blessings and embrace every day as if it were your last.