Letter to my 16-year-old Self
Found this through Katie… via Alisha. Since I never am one to turn down a writing prompt, here goes:
Dear Dani,
My facts might be a little hazy, since it’s been 10 years since I was in your shoes. But I know that 16 is never easy. I know you don’t know this, but you are beautiful. Don’t feel awkward about being so thin and long-legged – appreciate it.
Actually, go ahead and appreciate you. You doubt that “you” is OK, but it really, truly is. It’s OK to be a girl, a dreamer, a writer, an artist, a cowgirl and a ranch-hand. I know you get frustrated with your unconventional life sometimes, but in a few years you will have some great stories to tell, and skills that you could not have learned any other way.
I love that you are a strong kid. You don’t pull punches and you don’t back down. Just don’t forget to soften every now and then. Everybody can be wrong. It’s OK to be wrong, it’s OK to not know what’s right or where to turn. I love that you live with conviction, but give yourself a chance to grow and learn before you beat yourself up for imagined shortcomings. I’m still good at the beating-up part now, and perhaps if I could’ve gotten this letter sooner I would’ve learned to chill out and give myself a break. (I think I just ripped the space-time continuum.)
Love is beautiful, but you won’t get married ’til you’re 25, and your romance with this fella will completely surprise you. It won’t be anything that you think you want but will be everything you need. So enjoy your “likes” now, but don’t lose friendships over these boys and try not to be too heart-broken when things don’t work out like you think they should. In the meantime, love your family and friends. Mr Hot and Godly is waiting just around the bend. You’ll see.
You’ll get your ears pierced. You’ll wear make-up. You’ll find a college and a major that are perfect for you. You’ll buy jeans that aren’t Wranglers. You’re a bonafide cowgirl and you will prove this to yourself. You’ll see amazing sunsets, you’ll like beer, you’ll have some terrible jobs and some amazing ones. You’ll make incredible friends and you will drive across the country in an adorably nicknamed truck holding all your worldly possessions. The next 10 years will be fantastic. Embrace them.
~Dani (the one with the pierced ears and hot husband. Don’t be jealous, you’ll catch up.)
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