Last spring, a friend of mine asked her friends what advice they would have for their 13 year old self. She was gathering the answers to make a gift for her daughter's 13th birthday. I thought it was a great idea, and offered my advice. Today I was talking to my neighbor, and she asked what advice I would give to my 18 year old self. Seemed random, but when I thought more about it, I realized that advice wouldn't be too much different than what I would have given my 13 year old self. Not that I claim to have everything figured out (I don't, which is part of the fun), and I don't think my advice is going to be life changing, but I thought I would write this as a reminder to my present-day self, as well. Because sometimes I just need a reminder. So here it goes:
Dear Younger Self-
Never put your sense of self-worth into someone else's hands. Others might use the words "weird" and "different" to describe you now, but that is only because they don't realize what they really mean is "unique" and "awesome". Never stop learning. You don't know everything, and you never will know everything, but the process of learning as much as you can about the world around you is where all of your adventures will happen. You don't want to miss that. It is probably difficult to grasp right now, but the things that may seem remarkably embarrassing today will make amazing stories in the future, so don't beat yourself up too much about things. Finally, always hug people with both arms, like you mean it. None of that half-assed side hugging crap.
Love,
Kirsten
