rouge & whimsy: letter to myself

After writing a post reflecting on my freckles, I started thinking about how I’ve come to love some of the quirks I hated growing up. That turned into a conversation I had with a good friend about what we tell our teenage selves.

Being a teenager, especially a teenage girl, is not fun or easy. Looking back, my heart breaks at my attempts to fit in and my despair that I was not in the “popular” crowd. If only I could tell myself what I know now…but I guess that’s a part of life—learning from our past failures, hopes and dreams.

But if I could—this would be the letter I would write to my teenage self.

Dear Teenage Erika,

Being 14 isn’t fun. I know, I’ve been there. And while I know its 10 years later, I can still remember what it feels like to struggle to fit in.

I know you think you need to buy what those other girls you’re wearing. I know Mom doesn’t want to spend $45 on an Abercrombie shirt. And I know you’re not going to believe me, but you don’t need that shirt. That shirt is not going to make you feel better or even help you make friends. If it does help you make friends, those aren’t the kind of friends you should want. Really.

Please don’t worry about having a boyfriend. I know you think that a guy to hold your hand while you walk down the hall and pass notes to you in class seems like the answer to all your deepest longings, but it’s not. You are worth so much and you don’t need to have a guy to give yourself value. And believe it or not, you’re not going to end up a cat lady. There’s a guy out there for you who will think the world of you. Don’t rush and find him—just trust me on this. He’s worth the wait (and some dateless high school nights).

I know sometimes you aren’t sure why you are the way you are. But I know for a fact that God had a plan when He made you. He thinks you’re beautiful just the way you are—bony knees, nerdy tendencies and all. (But I do have to tell you- you will fill out. Even your chest… you’re just a late bloomer. )

You're not going to be a teenager forever so enjoy every moment.

And please try to not to be so hard on yourself.

Love,

Grown-up Erika

If you guys want to write a letter to yourself, I'd love it if you shared it. Grab a button and email me about it at rougeandwhimsy [at] gmail [dot] com.

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7/14/11

Letter to me