Dear 16 Year Old Self

Dear 16 year old self,

I have five important points to tell you just to make life easier and more enjoyable.  

1.  These years suck and that's okay.  They go by super fast and you aren't going to really remember all that much anyway. So relax and try to enjoy yourself a little a more.  

2. Work harder on your grades.  Those A's and B's are nice, but we both know you could do better.  Don't work hard because you have to get into the perfect college or because your whole life depends on a certain test, but because your work ethic says a lot about who you are, so start doing your best ALWAYS. And stop letting those B+ be good enough.

3. All of these boys that have crushes on you and are professing their love for you...are nice people.  Try to be nice and let them down easy. Don't lead them on because you like the game and attention.  Your heart is going to be broken someday, so be kind with their hearts.  

4.  Your parents are amazing.  They are the only two people who are going to stick by you through anything and everything.  Love them just a little more, cherish Sunday Family Days, and make sure they know how much they mean to you.

5.  You're pretty cool.  The sooner you realize this and accept yourself, faults and all, you will be happy. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to be perfect.  You are going to let go of that expectation later, and life will be a lot better.