Dear 12-year-old me,
You are still oblivious to all that is actually to come in your teenage years. Soon, you’re going to begin going through a lot of changes– as you enter middle school, your friends may start to look different; school may get a bit tougher; you will face bigger decisions; learn new lessons; try new things; you’ll start using social media; might have new crushes; you may start to argue with Dom and Dad; but you will grow into yourself.
I don’t want to scare you, because I know you will also have some of the best years and make your greatest memories like you have been begrudgingly watching all your older sisters do your whole life so far. However, if I could give you any pieces of advice that I know you would actually listen to, it would be to always stay true to yourself, be kind to yourself & others, and appreciate Mom & Dad while you’re still at home. Don’t be scared to face new endeavors and challenges like high school– embrace them as new opportunities to showcase who you are and leave your mark. In my own teenage years, I have found myself becoming so consumed with trying to fit in or be someone that I just am not. And it’s also led to a lot of confusion, mistakes, and heartbreak. You’ve seen it all. Don’t do those things. Stay the same spunky, sports-loving, Scorpio girl that you are; and don’t ever let anyone try to take any of that out of you. Of course, you will grow out of things you may love now, but stay determined. I so badly wish I had listened to Mom and Dad when they urged me to stay in sports. In high school, you will make so many memories with your team. That is one of the things that I really wish I got to experience. I don’t think you have gotten into a genuine argument with Mom and Dad yet, and I hope you never do. Realistically, though, all teenage girls do, so please just listen to them! I know it may sound cliche, but they truly want the best for us. Mom isn’t constantly bothering you about your grades to shame you– she is just a proud mama who wants you to have more than she did. And if Dad may seem like he is against you, he is only against the person you are becoming. They want the best for us. They may not show it to us the way we’d like it but I promise you… I would know.
Be kind to everyone. You never know what kind of day someone may have had or what things they are experiencing at home. There is not a single benefit to negativity. Embrace your differences with others, rather than shut them out. I in no way mean you should lose the sass you have going on. Please always stay true to that, and always stick up for yourself. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you are any less beautiful, smart, funny, or talented. More importantly, don’t rely on anyone for your happiness, and be kind to yourself. This should be pretty easy as long as you remember your worth. You are so loved, so valued, so cherished, and so adored. Remember who you are and what makes you happy. Remember how beautiful you are and the things you love about yourself. Above everything else, love God. Keep a journal for your prayers and thoughts; be mindful of how He is working because I promise you, He is. An unwavering faith in God is the most fundamental piece for everything to make sense, because I’ll promise you another thing, not everything will at first. Remind yourself that the Lord knows better than you. You may not like the things He’s doing at certain times in your life, but His only goal is to make you the happiest and best version of yourself. Do not hang onto things He is trying to take out of your life, they will only lead you farther from Him, and closer to pain.
Know that I will always be here for you. As I leave for college, I hope you feel confident reaching out to me when you need to vent or help with absolutely anything. No matter what “beef” we may have about who ate the last ice cream sandwich or who stole the other’s brush, you will always be my younger self to me, my little sister, and I will always love you.
Sincerely,
Regan
