Dear Naive, 16 Year Old Me

My friend Chelsea (nashifeet) posted a letter her boyfriend wrote to his 16 year old self and it really inspired me to write my own. What would you say to your 16 year old self if you could reach them? I think it would be a very reflective experience so here is mine.

Dear Kara,
Don't let life get you down. You're in a transitional period right now and it will end. Although you think it's hard to find yourself at this moment, the journey will forever be changing throughout your life. Be confident in who you are and what you want. You are creative and should embrace your creativity. Don't let people stifle your gifts or make you feel unworthy of attention. Own your body & be happy with what you have since that will be forever changing too. You're a good person and although your maturity is lacking, enjoy all the fun times you are having because it will be these memories that last a lifetime. Cherish your friendships because time & distance will test them. Stick up for what you believe in now because time, society and apathy will leave you jaded as you grow older. That might sound depressing but it's true.


You will meet a special person who will become your best friend and although your feelings might not be romantic at first, take a step back and realize the best relationships start from friendships first. Love will make you laugh & cry, rip you to shreds & build you back up again. Work on your lack of compassion for others that seem unimportant to you and even a few that are important to you, because you never know who will be there for you to lean on. You will make mistakes, some of them being major, but each mistake has led you to where you are at this moment. It hasn't been an easy journey but the road ahead is promising.

Sincerely,
You 9 years later