Don't spend your junior high and high school years worrying about boys so much. They're not very bright at that age and their opinions don't hold the value that we often allow them. Listen to your dad. He's a whole lot wiser and he knows the truth of things. That confidence is more important than your weight. That the way you treat people is more important than wearing the "right clothes". That the inside will always ALWAYS matter more than what's on the outside. Work on that. Makeup can't cover up mean.
Be modest. As they say, "modest is hottest" and trust me, it's true. Attention isn't worth getting if you're getting it for all the wrong reasons. Respect yourself and others will respect you. Plus, there's no need to "showcase" what you've got when what's really important is hidden inside of you and has to be pursued to be found.
Listen to your mom. You're going to tell yourself that she's old and doesn't "understand what it's like", but it wasn't that different "back then" no matter how long ago it was. Plus, she loves you more than any girlfriend or boyfriend and only wants the best for you, so make sure her words weigh more than anyone else. Be nice to her...she's someone that will always be there, but be proud to have her there. Be grateful you have parents who care.
Love your siblings. Friends will come and go through life but your family will never change. Be willing to sacrifice time with friends to spend more time with your family. It's a wise investment that you'll be grateful you made.
Have fun! Be adventurous! Try new things! Dance! Don't smoke. Don't drink. Don't be rebellious - it's a waste of your time. Don't lie to your parents - it will only come back to bite you in the butt. Don't follow the crowd - they have absolutely no idea where they are going.
Love Jesus. It may not be what the "cool kids" are doing, but if that's the case, trust me, they're not that cool. So much will change in all of the years of growing up, but Jesus is your constant. He's always there, waiting to hear from you. Talk to him all the time. He's really good at helping out with tests and fears and worries. He helps you know how to handle the people who are really hard to handle and love the people that need it the most.
Love. Love extravagantly. You have a lot to give and there are so many who need it. Love the bully that says cruel things because no one has ever said anything kind to him. Love the kids others have deemed to be "geeks" because being smart is something to be admired and not ashamed of. Love the artists, the musicians, the cheerleaders, the football players, the teachers, the janitors, and everyone in between. Because even when you're 13, 16 or 18, you're already establishing your legacy, and a legacy of love is one worth leaving.
Your story has only just begun. Choose now to make it one worth telling for years to come.
Love always...your (favorite ;)) aunt,
Trish
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