You're really cool. I just need to start out with that. Please, continue to not worry about your clothing choices, because, if you start trying to match the more popular girls, you're going to end up with some weird combinations. Just believe that you are a cool person, because you really are.
You know why you're cool? Because you care about people. Don't let anyone convince you that the underdog shouldn't have friends. Around this time in your life, people around you are going to get more and more vocal about who to avoid, how to spend your time, and what's important. Don't let your focus waver, and you'll save yourself a whole lot of confusion.
The thing is, you are smart, and there are good things in your heart. Over the next few years, there will be round after round of ammunition unloaded at you that will try to tell you otherwise. "Your priorities are wrong," you'll be told. "What you really need to care about is guys, fashion, Cosmo, and good parties." "Live in the moment," you'll hear.
Don't believe it. Tomorrow is important, and what you do today has a huge impact on what you'll do later in life. You have a say in what happens to you.
That's what it really boils down to. For some reason, there won't be many people who are proper role models for you to watch, especially when it comes to the things you truly care about. But know this: you are capable of changing the atmosphere around you. There is no need to be intimidated by people with more experience than you, because they all started somewhere, too.
You have things that you care about, that wreck your heart as you dream of change. You can be that change. Yeah, it's confusing and intimidating to do something you've never done before, but do it anyway.
Further, don't be scared to stand up for how you deserve to be treated. It is okay to walk away from some things. Love yourself enough to refuse to surround yourself with negativity, short-sighted people, and the type of friends who only tell you what you want to hear.
Not all of your friendships or relationships will last forever, but it's okay. Sometimes, friends just come and go. Be excited. You're going to meet some totally inspiring humans in the next ten years.
When it's time for university, please come to Brantford. This place will shake you up just enough to stop that seemingly eternal spinning head of yours. Look for the good people, and soak up what they have to say.
And pick up the phone more often. You may have needed to get space from your family, but they love you and you love them. If you play it right, the distance can bring you closer together.
Remember that ammunition I mentioned? One of the most important things it will attack is your perspective on God and who he is. At 16, your faith is strong, you're full of passion, and yeah, you're confused because you don't agree with everything you've been taught. But don't tune him out because what you know he wants for you is inconvenient. Listen to him. He's smarter than you and he loves you more than you love yourself. Trust me. It's worth it.
So have fun. Don't stress out. Be who you want to be, and don't try to fit the mold. Worse case scenario, you'll only have a couple of people who get you while you're still in high school. But then you'll find the people who not only get you, but inspire you to go even further in pursuit of the things you care about.
Lastly, brace yourself. You're going to laugh and you're going to cry. Stuff will happen, but that same stuff will end. You will be okay. Live those days and let them leave their marks on your timeline. They'll make the big picture better.
You got this, girl.
Love,
Older Bec
No comments:
Post a Comment