A letter to my 16-year-old self.

Danielle at Sometimes Sweet wrote her younger self a letter and I love love loved this idea. So, I'm also going to participate. Even though I feel like I was 16 like three days ago.

 

 

image via vi.sualize.us

Dear 16-year-old Larissa,

Oh how your life is going to change in 6 short years. You have spent most of your life without solid friendships. The friends you have now, they will be your best friends through the rest of high school. Cherish them. Don't blow them off for your boyfriends. None of those relationships will last longer than 5 months anyway. These friends will be there for you through death, love, tears, laughter, the good and the bad. Don't take them for granted and don't get mad at them for the little, annoying things they do. Love them. Because one day, they'll be gone. At 16 you're probably just starting to date your longest high school relationship. He's going to treat you like crap and you are going to like him far more and far longer than you should. Go ahead and just end it before it gets too out of hand. You will save yourself so much heartache. Plus you're 16. You don't need a boyfriend.

Don't be too eager to get a job. You have the rest of your life to work. Spend time with your friends. Go to school events. Hang out with your family. You are going to hate your job 2 weeks in and your boss is a creep. Also, you're going to feel the need to fit in at this job. Don't lie to your coworkers. Be yourself. It's a good thing you don't drink. Speaking of drinking, your mom is not going to believe that you don't drink. Don't fret about making sure she knows the truth. The more you fight her on it, the more she thinks you're lying. One day she'll know that you weren't.

Younger self, don't stop ice skating. Don't stop playing the piano. Don't stop playing volleyball. Go out for track. Go out for tennis. Try basketball at least once. Work hard in gym. Your body was in the best shape of its life and you have no idea how much you will miss it. You are somewhat aware of how much you love piano. But you won't be completely aware until you stop playing it. So don't. If you stop taking lessons, at least practice a few times a week. Buy new music. Write your own songs. Enjoy it. And do not stop playing.

You are going to hate your brother. Don't. He is your only brother and in 6 years, you are going to love him. Enjoy him now. Love spending time with him. Be thankful that you can drive him to school. Talk to him. Get to know him. Don't wait until you're 22 to figure out who he is.

The same with your parents. They are only looking out for what is best for you. Listen to them and let them say "no" to you. Yes, it's annoying when you don't get your way, but you're 16. Grow up and get over it. Don't waste too much time being mad at them. Before you know it you'll be moving out and it will break both your hearts. (And by both I mean all three of you...)

Be thankful that you don't have as colorful a story as some of your friends. Be thankful for your religion, your God, and your parents. Be thankful they raised you in a Christian home and don't throw that away because you go to a Catholic school. Be thankful for the solid footing they gave you and tell them how much it means to you. Don't try and make your life story something other than it is. You are so, so blessed with the life you were given. And you will only realize that as you look into your past.

You have so much to learn. Don't try to grow up too fast. You're only 16 and you have so much living ahead of you. As you watch lives crumble around you, be thankful for what you have. Don't ever think you're saying "I love you" too much. Don't drive so fast and don't be in such a hurry to grow up. You'll be grown up before you know it and you'll spend several years wondering where the time went. You're going to do amazing things. Don't get too down on yourself because you are beautiful. Remember this quote and repeat it to yourself everyday: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)



Ohhhh if I could only go back in time and tell myself all these things. I would save myself from so many heart breaks. So many tears. But I guess that's how you grow.

LC