Before we get into this, I gotta give credit where credit is due. Lindsay, thanks for giving us this fun writing prompt. K that’s all…let’s do this.
What would I tell my 13-year-old self?
In no particular order I would tell her:
- to pursue people that were passionate about Jesus even if it was scary. I would tell her that it’s okay to let friends and people go because they move away or have become someone you don’t need in your life anymore.
- that her pain is no less real because it’s inward and not circumstantial. I would encourage her to speak out her feelings whether that be to a person, in a notebook, on a voice recording or just out loud to God. You need to get it all out or it will overstay its welcome.
- it’s typically not what you think it means — google is your friend #naive
- to embrace her personality traits. There is nothing wrong with wanting to play sports, wear sweats everyday or have a mud fight but also wanting to dress up and look pretty for absolutely no other reason than because you like it.
- to cut back on the dairy – it’s what is destroying your stomach. I would also tell her to not give up pizza OR ice cream because as far as I know, my theory about a little bit helps still holds true (if you know, you know).
- to stand up straight. Bad habits die hard.
- that one day you will actually like tomatoes – don’t give up on them just yet. But celery is a lost cause.
- to take negative thoughts captive. & quick.
- to embrace mistakes because that is what builds character. Oh, and also embrace embarrassment. Those moments will give you your absolute best stories to win over a crowd.
- don’t waste your time & guard your time. Invest in people that care about you. Surround yourself with people that astound you. If you’re the godliest, smartest, kindest, etc. in your group…it’s time to move on. Also, sometimes people will show their true colors later than others — pay attention to that.
- don’t be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS! Also, if anyone asks you a question or asks for your opinion, take note. They are someone special.
- Dance and sing as much as possible. You’re pretty good at it…okay maybe part of that is a lie, but practice makes perfect 😉 #KrumpMaster
Lastly, I would say, “Bailee, you are a cool bunch of beans. Life will present some hardships, but you are strong. You are also a pretty smart cookie — don’t doubt your wisdom or gut feeling for that matter. Savor every moment and kiss your puppies often. You think he’s the best out there? or you couldn’t ask for a better group of friends! or this is the most beautiful thing you will ever witness!!…YOU IS WRONG. Every day gets sweeter and sweeter & so do the people. Goodbyes are just hellos to a better future. Keep on rocking it.”
I probably would’ve taken about half of that advice to heart as a newly official teenager, but that’s part of the beauty of life. We live and we learn and then we bond over the things we learned. It’s pretty rad.
Let me know what you would tell your 13 y/o self in the comments!
