16

This weeks ToT post is all about writing a letter to your 16 year old self......

Dear 16 year old Nancy, 

16.....that was 16 years ago. My how your life has turned out. Things have happened that you never dreamed. And you aren't really living the life you thought you would be living. You aren't doing what you thought you would be doing. And really, believe me, that's OK. Life is good, so don't worry about it. 

Just a few pieces of advice......

Listen to your parents more. You can still be who you want to be, but just have more open ears. Consider taking their advice every once in a while. 

Explore your interest in photography before you reach your 30s. Sure it's expensive...but trust me, you're good at it. 

Work harder on music. Your natural talent will only get you so far. And really, you will find it very disappointing that you didn't work harder. You will never know what could have been. You should believe in yourself more, because you know what....you're pretty darn good. 

Don't decide on a college major right away. Take some general classes and take some time to figure out what you really want to do, it will surprise you what you end up not enjoying anymore. 

Keep up with running. You will run a mini marathon when you are 30....who knew you could do that, huh? Just a little surprise. 

That boy that has the funny laugh....keep your eye on him. He will be the very best thing that happened to you. TRUST ME! No one else holds a candle to him. And you know what, he sure does think that you're all that and a bag of chips.

Work harder at school. Again, you will be disappointed that you didn't. 

All of those little pieces of advice are meant just to help you out a little bit. Don't worry that I think back to what you were like then and turn my head in shame. That is just silly. You are a sweet, caring person. You often put others first. You don't follow the crowd because its the cool thing. You are a good girl and I'm sure your parents are thankful for that. You are genuinely liked by your peers because you are nice to everyone. Keep on being nice. 

And just so you know, your life isn't sunshine and roses. Most of the time, things are great. But there times when things get really bad. You have to endure something that most people will never even think about. It's pretty bad. But, here's the thing, you are so much stronger than you ever knew you were. You get through this and things look good again. You will never be able to forget what happened, but you will be able to move on from it. You will be able to deal with it. And you remember that boy with the funny laugh, he's going to be there with you every step of the way. He's going through this too and your relationship will be stronger than ever afterwards. 

As I end this letter to you, remember the words that I've written to you. Take them to heart and remember that I was there....and in the end, things turn out A-OK!

Love Always,

Your 32 year old self