If I Could Write a Letter to Me

I love following other people’s blogs, as well as randomly searching blogs hoping to find something insightful and inspiring. I ran across such a blog the other day. In this particular blog, the writer wrote letters to herself at various significant ages. How many times do we wish we could go back in time and do things differently, knowing what we know now. I know I do. The particular age to which I wish I could return is 14. So…in the words of Brad Paisley, “If I could write a letter to me:”

Dear Stephanie,

The day is January 15, 2000 and you will soon become what you have dreamed of for the past two years: John Doe’s girlfriend. As soon as you moved to town, you singled him out as your “crush”. Even though you knew you couldn’t date until you were 15, it didn’t stop you from hanging out with him at every opportunity. Well, the time is near. He will ask you out and your mom will approve (what the heck, Mom!). Say NO! Don’t do it. You will avoid a prom that wasn’t fun, a first kiss that was laughable…literally, and an “I love you” that meant absolutely nothing. Dodge that bullet and remember that you don’t need a boy’s attention and approval to validate who you are! Remember what your mom always says, “Remember who and Whose you are!” In fact, just don’t date until you go to college. This will save you a lot of unnecessary heartbreak and baggage. And while we’re on that subject, when your mom gives you the book I Kissed Dating Goodbye AND makes you suffer through an entire conference with Joshua Harris, LISTEN. You don’t have to agree and abide by everything the book says, but value the knowledge and advice of others. Most importantly, just because your mom did something, doesn’t make it okay for you. I know she’s a great mom (and still is) and seems to have it all together, but she’s trying to protect you from heartache and regret. Listen to her and heed her advice. That makes me realize I can sum up this letter in three words:

“Mind your mother!”

Love,

Me