Hold up the kid version of yourself. Take a picture. Send it to me.

It’s not gonna be ok, but you will be. Stop doubting God’s loving and guiding hand. The further ahead you get, you’ll look back and see that He’s NEVER let you down. Call your mom. Speak up when you feel uncomfortable, know that you are worth more than what others think of you, and dont settle because you think you won’t get any better. Wear more sunscreen, drink more water, and eat more greens. Think about your future and make the best of yourself. Don’t give up on your dreams, chase them until they become your reality. Love yourself, and don’t trust so easily. People seem like they have good intentions, but when they no longer need you, they will discard you like trash. Dont be in a hurry to grow up. Its not all sunshine and rainbows. Keep trying to bust through those seemingly never ending walls made of fear. What’s on the other side is always worth it. You are worth waiting for. Don’t settle or believe a lie. Be soo unapologetically yourself and never ever be afraid to stand up for yourself. Speak up for what you believe to be true in your heart, even if your voice shakes. You are worth so much more. Don’t forget to look up. Be yourself from the start, even when everyone seems the same. Where you are now isn’t where you’ll always be. Trust God and learn His love, because you will be so much greater than you believe yourself to be. Stay not taking life too seriously, and don’t be afraid of always being yourself, regardless of who you’re around. And shave your head sooner. Keep doing what you want to and don’t slow down at all. Take life slow and pay more attention to the little things.

Brace yo self fool Trust God, and wait on His timing. Don’t try to rush life. Some things will be hard but just know you will make it through. “Kid, you’ll move mountains!” Believe in yourself. Don’t care what other people think. Do the thing that gives you butterflies. You don’t have to perform. You’re already loved. Don’t date until your 18, boys get in the way. Live each day as it was your last! See your worth. You are worth more than what this world tells you. Have love for yourself and believe you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Kids tell you hurtful things because they don’t understand why you are the way you are. Let it roll off your back. Because when you get older, they’re all going to forget. If you let it get to you, you won’t. No matter what you think you feel, go to college first and get a career. Your future you & future kids will thank you! Live like a kid as long you can. That’s when life is fun and easy with no worries! If it scares you, do it! You’ll love the adventure. Make sure you value the opinions of others before you give a damn about what they think. Be yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks. No matter what your parents have done and put you through, you still have a chance to be something great. Stay close to God and follow that path. Don’t get into trouble, and make better life choices.

This is a collaboration with my friend Janea Robling. Read her blogs at Janea.net.