A Letter To My Future Teens

I am participating in Mama Kat's writing workshop today.

And the prompt I chose was.....

4.) A letter to your future teen.

Or in my case, Teens

Dear Isabelle and Claire,

I know it is hard to be a teen, I have been there once. I have crushed on a boy and was unsure of my feelings or how to act. I have done things that I normally wouldn't, to try and fit in with a group. I have tried to persuade my mom to pay way too much for clothes because they were what was in. I have consumed myself with negative thoughts of all the things I wanted but didn't have, instead of being grateful for possessing the ability to work towards what I truly needed. And I have learned a lot from all of this.

I know that life is tough, being a teen and trying to navigate through these awkward years only makes it tougher. You may not know what you want right now, or you may be certain that you do know what you want, but 5 years from now, those dreams may seem trivial and a bit strange.

Here are some things I have learned that I hope will help you through this stage of your life and maybe even stages that are to come.

All the things that are hard in your life right

now, remember them. These will all be of use to you one day. Right now all the things you are going through, good or bad, will be a tool for you to apply in your future. Hold onto what you are learning through your experiences. You will gain knowledge through these.

"Self Control Is An Awesome Trait. Apply it To Spending." Though it may be hard, material items will never truly make you happy. Molding yourself to fit into what some may view as the "it" group by spending and conforming, is to mutilate your identity. Don't mutilate yourself.

Be Authentic. This plays in with the previous statement. You are unique. You are a design that is incredible. In life, things may not always be as they appear. Always be exactly as you appear. Do not put on for others. Putting on for others is the same as a lie. Peers will ask you to do things, behave a certain way to fit in. You will know what is right. What is you. Be real, Authentic, Unique. Be Happy.

Don't buy into Gossip. Seek your own opinion. A great life long friendship may be around the next corner. Proceed with an open mind and discover what can be with your own experience.

Confidence is attractive, own it. I am not saying be a self obsessed snob, but to carry your head high. Look people in the eye, this will in tern give them a reason to look you in the eyes. Smile and have a positive attitude. The cup is always half full if you let it be.

Don't put any energy into hatred. It can consume you and if you allow it, over shine what is good. It is so much easier to forgive.

You can learn a lot from observing. People will reveal a great deal about their character if you listen to what they say and then watch what they do. Sometime actions do not aways align with words. Be observant.

Know that I am your mother, I love you beyond forever and miles past always, no matter what.

If you are happy in life, you have accomplished a goal that some with millions can ill afford. Embrace Happiness.