Jun. 30th, 2005 10:03 am
For Young Jess:
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mizarchivistThis is definitely one I think about a great deal from time to time- a worthy writing exercise...
To my 12 year old self:
1. Do more theater. You'll find more people you like there and maybe find safe ways to challenge your still black and white view of things. You may even want to skip track altogether as a Sophomore and head straight to the after school theater.
2. Junior High is hell on earth. Those kids are probably just as miserable if not more so than you. Now is the time for feeling zen. I promise you'll come up with the perfect comeback... it'll just take you 10 years to get just right.
3. Just because some task or class is difficult and you don't already know how to do it, try to not freak out and definitely don't quit/retreat. You are smarter than you think.
4. Standardized tests are not really your friend, but they also won't keep you from your chosen path.
5. Learn to eat at better intervals- and protein as the primary part. Your moods will thank you.
6. High school will be better than junior high by a long shot, but it's still not a cake walk. I'm warning you now, boys are freaked out by overly earnest and adoring girls, especially as teenagers.
7. You are not obligated to act on/reciprocate if a guy likes you unless you really like him. No- really. You don't owe him anything and you're sorta going to have it blow up in your face if you think you can make everyone happy.
8. Similarly, you are allowed to have limits. Expressing your boundaries even if it means upsetting someone is better than the alternative.
9. All things in moderation are fine, even if the government calls some of those things illegal. People who smoke tobacco are not bad people. They just have a bad habit.
10. Your parents are very cool- you know this already, but I'm just telling you again. You'll still think so in 17 years.-- which is not that far away and 30 is not as old as you think.
11. Spend more time with your grandmother. Ask more questions. Write them down.
To my 12 year old self:
1. Do more theater. You'll find more people you like there and maybe find safe ways to challenge your still black and white view of things. You may even want to skip track altogether as a Sophomore and head straight to the after school theater.
2. Junior High is hell on earth. Those kids are probably just as miserable if not more so than you. Now is the time for feeling zen. I promise you'll come up with the perfect comeback... it'll just take you 10 years to get just right.
3. Just because some task or class is difficult and you don't already know how to do it, try to not freak out and definitely don't quit/retreat. You are smarter than you think.
4. Standardized tests are not really your friend, but they also won't keep you from your chosen path.
5. Learn to eat at better intervals- and protein as the primary part. Your moods will thank you.
6. High school will be better than junior high by a long shot, but it's still not a cake walk. I'm warning you now, boys are freaked out by overly earnest and adoring girls, especially as teenagers.
7. You are not obligated to act on/reciprocate if a guy likes you unless you really like him. No- really. You don't owe him anything and you're sorta going to have it blow up in your face if you think you can make everyone happy.
8. Similarly, you are allowed to have limits. Expressing your boundaries even if it means upsetting someone is better than the alternative.
9. All things in moderation are fine, even if the government calls some of those things illegal. People who smoke tobacco are not bad people. They just have a bad habit.
10. Your parents are very cool- you know this already, but I'm just telling you again. You'll still think so in 17 years.-- which is not that far away and 30 is not as old as you think.
11. Spend more time with your grandmother. Ask more questions. Write them down.
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