A letter to my teenaged self

Recently I've asked the faculty at Linden Hall to write letters to themselves as teenagers as a way to give advice to our girls.  Reliving adolescence is not something I enjoy, but writing this letter turned out to be very therapeutic.  Here's the result: 

Jess,

                Your parents do know what they’re talking about.  Listen to them.

                Don’t worry about what “those girls” have to say.  They’re not friends.  Their opinion of you doesn’t matter, because they don’t know you or care about you.  They make those comments because they’re insecure about themselves.  Really, you should feel sorry for them (someday you will). 

                That guy… he’s not worth it either.  You may think there couldn’t be anyone better for you.  There is, and he is so much better for you than you can imagine right now.  He’ll complement you in all the best ways.  Before you meet him, though, you have to get comfortable with yourself.

                In the next few years a lot will happen.  You’ll lose some people who are very important to you.  It will hurt.  A lot.  In the end, you won’t regret getting close to them.  Some of these people were good for you; some weren’t, but you learned from each relationship and it made you a better person.  There will be a time that you won’t want to let people get close to you because you don’t want to get hurt.  Fight this feeling.  There are people you should stay away from, but there are more that will become like family if you take a risk and open yourself up to them. 

                Seek advice from people who have gone through this part of life already (Yes, your parents.  They do know some stuff). 

                Don’t be afraid to cry.  It’s always best to acknowledge your feelings.  Sometimes these feelings are ridiculous, so learn to decipher the truth from the lies your insecurities tell you.  (Not being great at that one thing doesn’t negate all the skills you do have.  Embrace who you are and hone the natural ability you have in other areas.  You’ll feel so much better about yourself and you’ll contribute something great to the world that no one else can.)

                Don’t make any important decisions after 10pm.  Things always look worse at night.  Go to bed.  It will be better in the morning.  There are few things that sleep, coffee, and chocolate can’t cure.  If it’s still bad in the morning, call your mom.  She may not always have the answer, but she will make you feel better.  So will your dog (always have a dog).

                Finally, live boldly and love unswervingly.  You won’t regret it.