tag, i'm it!

For wonderful web wednesday I'm going to participate in a popular phenomenon among bloggers, and that's the game of tag! Bloggers get tagged with various questions or posts and then it's their turn to post and tag others. I've been tagged before but haven't had a chance to join in the fun, but I did get tagged this past week by Tammy from A Mom in Red High Heels and I had to play along.

Here's the assignment:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you. (Tammy)

2. Imagine you could send a letter back in time to yourself, when you were 13 years old, what would you write to yourself?

3. Tag 5 people to inflict this on. (LeShan, Jennifer, Daria, Megan, Heather)So here goes (wish I really had this letter when I was 13!):

Dear Emily,

Those early teenage years are going to be tough ones, and Junior High and hormones won't make it any easier. Don't listen to those who will tease you for getting good grades and being well liked by your teachers, but then again don't let those good grades and being teacher's pet go to your head. You'll have a lot of good friends--don't let them down by indulging in silly gossip or backbiting, a common ailment of most teenage girls. Be a bit more open minded and loving of everyone you meet, and as hard as it will be, try to be a friend to the friendless. They're the ones who need a friend the most.

On the lighter side, those turquoise stretch jeans with matching turquoise and black paisley button-down top is not the fashion statement you think it is. And just because Claire's offers an eyeshadow compact with every color of the rainbow and then some, it doesn't mean you should actually use the yellow eyeshadow. Oh, and I think Mom figured out quickly you were applying blue mascara on your way to school. Moms just know these things. Those matching gym clothes with your name on them? Don't worry, high school will offer more options.

Keep true to your values as hard as it will be sometimes. Choose good friends--they will be a bigger influence on you than your parents. Continue to compete with those other honor students. Graduating second in your class may not be cool as a senior in high school but it's pretty impressive once you get to college. Most importantly, remember who you are and what you stand for. Thirteen isn't easy but being true to yourself and your values helps a heck of a lot. And don't worry, you will find a boy who will love you just the way you are and eventually have a 13-year-old girl (three, rather) to whom you can impart your own wisdom. Hopefully by then you'll have acquired some!

Love your family, love your friends, and love yourself. You have more than enough love to go around.

Love,
Me

Why don't you try writing your 13-year-old self a letter? It's not as easy as you might think but it is a wonderful moment to reflect on those experiences that helped mold you into the person you are today. Junior High is never easy but we somehow survive. Remembering how you did so is a great way to start off the new year. --Emily