What Would I Say to My 16 Year Old Self

Have you ever wished you could go back in time?  I've done a lot of thinking about this very thing.  A few years ago, I bought a Brad Paisley album, and Letter to Me got me thinking.  What would I right to myself when I was 16?  I've come up with a few things.  This would be my letter.

Dear Jenn,

First of all, you are beautiful.  Don't let anyone tell you differently.  Girls are mean and boys are stupid.  And the ones that have noticed you (and they have) are too scared to say anything.  So keep your head up and it will all work out in the end.  There's a wonderful guy waiting for you, he's just in a different state.  You'll meet him someday (not too far away) and you'll understand why it took so long.  You had to be ready for him.  You had to deal with the heartache because it makes that love feel so much better.  So plow through this mess of high school and you'll eventually find what you're looking for.  Ironically enough, it's just when you stop looking.

I know that you haven't had the best track record with friends.  It's frustrating I know.  I know that it's hard for you to trust people but hang in there.  It does get better.  You will someday have that best friend you've been waiting for.  And she'll be right under your nose for a long time before you see the true potential of your relationship.  So be friendly to everyone, and keep an open mind.  You will one day truly have the best friend that you've always wanted, and she'll be like your sister.

I know you have a lot of questions about where you came from.  You will get your answers.  You'll find both of them, and you'll have some ups and downs.  But in the end, it will totally be worth it.  And you'll have some wonderful surprises along the way.  It won't be easy.  In fact, it's going to be one of the hardest, if not THE hardest thing you've ever done.  But in the end you'll survive.  And you'll have a better idea of who you are.  And by the way, your mother was not a whore, your father did not abandon her, and you don't have to be ashamed of where you came from.  They are good people who were caught up in a bad situation.  You'll understand someday.

Finally, you have the strength and courage to deal with the hard road ahead.  And it's not all tough stuff.  You have some amazing times coming along.  You have some wonderful memories to make up ahead.  You'll travel, you'll fall in love, you'll laugh, you'll cry you're so happy.  So smile, press on, and live life.

-Jennifer

PS - Don't ever give up dance.  It's your life and you'll miss it if you stop.