As a person who likes to write, I carry my knowledge of “life” a little differently. I keep certain things on the back burner for “just the right moment” to give a life lesson. Child #2, who is almost 16 (and female), says it best when I have some advice to offer.
She says, “Does everything have to be a life lesson, Mooooommmmm?!!?” Ohhhh how I wish you could hear me imitate her, I’ve pretty much nailed it.
My response, “Why yes, yes it does, because I wish I had someone like ME around, to offer this same advice to me, when I was your age! Now be quiet, and listen!!”
HA! So, since we all know kids hardly ever listen, I’ve decided to write this letter to the person who listens to me the most, HEARS exactly what it is that I’m actually saying, and loves me to the moon and back … yup, you guessed it … MYSELF!!
Dear 18-year-old, ME,
Soon you’ll be graduating high school, the best years of your life … or were they? I know you hear it all the time from your mom, or grand parents, how “these are the best years of your life”, but are they? Do you know what is in store for the next 60+ years? High School is a mere minute, in this thing called life, and I know it’s hard to see past next week, but you have no idea what life will entail exactly, but I do know these things…
STUDY, study hard, because graduating high school, is WAY more important than that party in the woods…
Remember to thank those that taught you, no matter what you think, they never gave up on you….
When you fall, jump back up, because as you get older, you can’t jump quite as quick, both literally and metaphorically…
Those kids that talk shit behind your back, HA! Have no worries about them, Karma most certainly will give them a smack…
Don’t worry about the clothes you wear, people aren’t going to remember if you had clothes from the Thrift Store or The Mall…
You don’t have to drink or do drugs to fit in and be popular, be yourself, and those who matter will love you for you … and trust me, it is very clear, if you open your eyes, who will still be there in 20 years, and who will be gone…
There are more important things in life than your unruly, curly, frizzy hair (ha! who am I kidding, I’m still pissed off about this one, and some things will never change … yet another lesson in life)
That boy who broke your heart, it’s okay, there will be plenty more fish in the sea, and guess what, YOU WILL SURVIVE. You will also get married at a young age, and when he breaks your heart, you will think your life is over. Just know it’s okay, there is a reason, and that reason will make you happy and content for the rest of your life…
That boss who cut your hours? Don’t get mad at him, he needed to give the hours to Susie Noname, because she’s a single mom of two kids, under the age of 3. She needs the money way more than you. Be gracious, be kind, because one day, that WILL be you, and you will be okay.
Your “best” friend just ditched you for other friends, it’s okay … They weren’t your friend to begin with … Your true friends won’t hurt you, ever, not intentionally, of course. Remember, we are all human, and it is okay to make mistakes, it’s never okay to be mean.
You got ditched at the shore, because guys can suck?! It’s okay, the blessing that “saved” you that weekend? She is still in your life at 41, and she’s the one you call your bestest … guess what? She didn’t even go to your school!
That sense of humor that got you kicked out of class?? Don’t ever lose it!! Having a sense of humor will get you through the darkest of times.
Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in! You have every right to have your own thoughts and opinions. Stop trying to please every single person in your life, and worry about making yourself happy!! It’s your life, live it to the fullest.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Those honors students are Honors, for a reason … They are smart, they can help. Just ask. It’s better to get help, than to fail, but if you still fail, it’s okay, you did your best, and gave it your all. Not everyone understands ADHD, but as you get older, you learn how to deal. It will be okay.
That girl who called you fat? She has issues of her own … let it be. Don’t name call back, just try to be a friend, because you DON’T know what goes on at home.
The rest of your life is waiting for you, you’ll be amazed to know that the best is yet to come. Even though life has its ups and downs, twists and turns, the rest of your life is better than this. So don’t fret when Sally Soandso talks shit, or Joe Blow breaks your heart … These are the moments, that make us who we are!!
Love you always,
Your 41-year-old Self
JuSteph4All 