LETTER TO MY 16 YEAR OLD SELF

ON BOYS

At this age, I should warn you. If he tells you he loves you he most probably does not know what he means – or maybe he does. I can see a lot of relationships lasting that started at this age so I don’t know what to tell you, Uhm, stay away from them?!  Make lasting friendships if they feel right but do not be swayed by cheap talk. I really do not know what to tell you. I think you are doing pretty well.

The one thing though, do not let a Boy define your beauty.  You are GORGEOUS!

ON BULLIES

Bullies are cowards! They prey on who they think is weak because they themselves are weak, in fact the weakest. Pray for them because you will never know the struggle they have. And you, do not believe what they say about you. Like you have always done. Continue to be yourself. Your teachers will see your potential and elevate you!

You will know what I mean when You get to this age. They are either your friends now, or……… I don’t even know where they are. They simply don’t matter!

ON CAREER

To be honest with you, I would confuse you now if I tell you that you will follow in your Father’s footsteps and become an Insurance and Risk Management official.. and you will study Law, yes, law, at the insistence of your mother, (who by the way truly knows everything….like google) and guess what else, you will not only like to draw on paper, you will take it a higher and paint people’s faces. Yes, I know, this one is a shocker considering at this age, all you care about is being as good as your brother and rapping as well as Eminem (all tapes censored, I know). So do not worry too much I think, just study hard and put yourself at an advantage, ready for anything.

ON LOVE

Take your time, this may sound cliché to you but trust me on this, When you meet him, you will know. He will smell like Safari for men and you will enjoy his cooking, yes, he will be able to cook very well. And you will most probably live like hippies because deep down, that is what you are... but you are only 16, don't worry about those things. Eyes on the Prize!

ON FRIENDS

All the friends you made at this age, your inner circle is…….. guess what……………………………………………. STILL your inner circle. So love them right, protect them, eat with them, pray with and for them. You may all not be in the same town or time-zone but believe me when I say they have your back. They will call you on your birthday, they will call you and keep in touch every time something important happens in your life. Later, you will meet some more beautiful souls, nothing like you ever thought existed. You will love them, they will love you and help you and you will learn from them.. you will be super excited about these friendships. they will become your sisters. Good People Exist! 

ON GOD

Child! keep trusting in Him for He really does control everything. experience Him for yourself to have the full experience. i wish you well on that! PRAY!

ON FAMILY

……..LOVE THEM, LISTEN TO THEM, HUG THEM, KISS THEM and DANCE with your FATHER!!!! you will make mistakes, heck they will make mistakes but they truly are Heaven's gift to you - God's very image! so Treasure the moments and Love all the ups and downs because that is what makes you. I know this now, they want the best for you so embrace it and thank them. 

Lastly, I wish I could spend time coaching you on what to do right but the MISTAKES have made you so much better.. so enjoy this life and make the best of every moment!