2) The first time you learned to walk you had no idea how to walk. Always remember in life that you can master any skill – as long as you remain determined.
3) You can talk now. Be impeccable with your word. Don’t say anything about anyone that you wouldn’t say to their face. Also talk less sometimes and listen more.
4) You gave your first tooth to the tooth fairy. And then it grew back, stronger than ever. Know that you can always start over and try, try again.
5) You start waking up at 5 a.m. for the next 13 years of your life to go to this thing that they call school. Education creates opportunities. Never stop learning.
6) You realize that you can learn a whole lot from your parents. In fact, at this age they are the smartest people you know. As much as they will annoy you at times in the future, never stop loving them.
7) People will pick on you. They will make fun of your unruly hair, your height, or your accent. Pay them no mind. Your haters will one day glorify you.
8) Your family moves to another state and you have to leave everyone you know behind. Sometimes change is good – embrace it for the better.
9) You’ll make new friends and try to keep in touch with the old. Chuck the silver. Keep the gold.
10) You’re starting to get older because funny things are sprouting in places you’ve never seen before. Hold onto your youth as long as you can – it’s not a physical thing. It’s a mindset.
11) Puberty hits. Need I say more?
12) The other girls in school will only use you for your brains. That’s okay. Remember that the underdog ALWAYS comes out on top.
13) You’ll think you’re all grown up now – but you’re really not. Respect advice from your elders. Their wisdom will save you from years of headache.
14) You’ll start to call certain people to share your emotions, joys, thoughts, and curiosities with. Keep these people in your life for as long as you can.
15) You’ll pinch yourself in the mirror, wondering why your hips are bigger than all the other girls’ hips at school. Start practicing self-love so that you can be the best you that you can be.
16) You fall in love for the first time. It may last. It may not. Take relationships one day at a time. Enjoy them in the moment and know when it’s time to let them go.
17) You graduate. You recognize that 13 years of going to school wasn’t for nothing. Continue to believe in yourself. Diligence, discipline, and determination will take you farther than the common man.
18) You go to college. Shit gets real. Handle your (fr)enemies with a long spoon.
19) You’ll come to terms with the fact that everyone isn’t who they say they are. Weed out the wolves in sheep clothing. Always trust your instincts.
20) You realize that outside of class, life is one big party. Don’t be afraid to try new things – just not the crazy, dangerous things.
21) You’ll study abroad for the first time in your life. You’ll realize how small you are compared to the rest of the world. Life is short – do the things you’ve always dreamed of. Stop living with regrets.
22) You’ll fail. Big time. Pick yourself up and learn from your mistakes. It’s not about how you fail, but how you rise from it.
23) You’ll look in the mirror and realize how far you have come (and how much farther you must go). Remain authentic. Be you. And don’t change for anyone (unless it is for the better than by all means change, baby girl).
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Liane is an art-fanatic and tech-enthusiast living way too far above the Mason-Dixon line. Based in New York City, Liane loves creating content of impact — whether it be a longform human interest story or a webpage with banging design. An active contributor for Clutch Magazine, her work has appeared in Ebony, CNN.com, and other online publications. / Official Website, Bauce Mag and BMG. / IG + Twitter: @limembo
July 8, 2014
Love this!
July 11, 2014
Love this and love your blog!
x TFLA: http://www.thisfashionloveaffair.com x