Letters to the Sophomore Me

Have you ever tried writing a letter to yourself, sometimes it's great therapy, and I think it makes you feel better about the life you've lived.  Here's my first attempt at a letter to myself.  


Dear Melinda,
It's almost your first day of high school, how exciting!  But I have somethings for you to remember as you begin this wonderful chapter of your life.  I know you're 15 and think you know everything, but the great truth is that you, in all actuality, know nothing.  I know that's some real shocking news, and very forward, however, please keep reading even though you're probably offended. You are just a human being, with nearly no experience.  Because you know nothing, you should probably listen to Mom and Dad more often, learn from them, they understand your difficulties more than you think.  Be sure to make it home by curfew, and remember Mom and Dad aren't stupid, just tell them where you're really going. 


Love those around you.  Learn to see your family, friends, and acquaintances as children of God, and as real humans with struggles and challenges just like you.  Don't put off having a good relationship with your dad.  Start now, don't wait for him to get really sick or for you to be afraid to lose him.  Learn about him and become interested in things he's interested in.  Love him with all your heart, he's trying the hardest to be the best dad he can, and he makes mistakes sometimes too.  It might be a good idea to give him a hug every once in a while.  Tell each member of your family that you love them, and do it often. Learn to bite your tongue and control your anger.  Your cutting remarks will hurt many people close to you, and will push many away.  


Melinda, there will be a time when you feel completely alone, like there's no one who truly understands you, you will wonder what the point of living is.  You will feel completely unhappy, and you will feel as if you're the worst person alive. When you learn that you have problems with depression, I urge you not to label yourself as depressed.  See yourself as someone who has trouble being happy, who needs help.  Please understand that turning to medication is not a sign of weakness.  You will be okay, try to keep the positive thoughts, and try to laugh.  DO NOT miss a dose of medicine, it will make you crazy, and you will try dumb things.  And lastly, remember to pray often at this time in your life, the only person that can truly understand completely is only within a whispering distance.  Talk to Him, He will understand you. 


High school is meant for fun.  Good grades are wonderful to have, however, don't spend all your time doing homework or other school things.  Learn to have fun, go out with friends, plan parties, play games, watch movies, socialize.  Be a good student, but be a better friend.  Learn to get along with everyone around you, and to make everyone feel welcome around you. This will make you a better friend, and leader.  It may seem like the world is ending when you quit band, but really new opportunities are opening up for you, take them, and learn from them, you wont regret it.  Those new opportunities will teach you so much about yourself, and your talents.  During your senior year, do not stress out about which college to attend, the time will come that you will know where you're supposed to be.  Graduating will be worth it, so keep pushing through those hard classes, even when you want to give up.  

Mel, boys aren't everything.  You'll be sad when you miss out on your first date for grandma's funeral, but trust me, you'll be glad you went to the funeral.  When you do start dating, please, please, please date around.  Date different guys and learn what you like.  Your first real boyfriend may seem like the 'perfect' man to marry at the time, but let me tell you, you deserve so much better.  DO NOT date him steadily, or spend too much time alone with him.  He will just break your heart.  When he does break your heart, don't dwell on it, but pick yourself back up and get back in the game.  You are too beautiful and too smart to just sit around and mope and pass up all the amazing guys out there.  You'll probably cry when you aren't asked to Senior Homecoming or Prom, but you'll get over it.  Keep your head up, and keep a positive attitude.  


Learn from your mistakes. It really sucks when you make the same stupid mistake, fix it, and then make it over and over again.  We're on this earth to learn how to become better people, so learn early on and save yourself a lot of regret and heartache.  When you make your major mistakes, please learn to ask forgiveness, and don't forget to forgive yourself.  Beating yourself up over what you should or could have done will do nothing but tear you apart.  
 
Finally, Melinda, remember never to give up.  Good things are to come, keep smiling even when you don't want to.  Shoot for the stars and dream big.  You can and will do ANYTHING that you set your mind to.  Wish upon stars, and believe in fairy-tales (despise what others tell you, they do happen).  Be yourself, people will love you for who you really are!  And lastly, live up to your potential! You are amazing, and can do great things don't let anyone tell you different! 


                Good luck in the years to come,
                            Love, 
                              The older and wiser you