Dear me

As much as I moan and whinge about meme tags, y'all know I'm just being difficult, right? And contrary and melodramatic. (Okay, plus some memes are just really stupid. You have to admit.)

But today I happened across a meme I l-u-r-v-e, and so I'm totally going to do it in spite of the fact that no one's even tagged me yet. Sadly, this is not the first time I've resorted to such measures.

Anyhow.

This meme takes the form of a letter written to one's thirteen year old self. (I know, yay! I was all sorts of odd at thirteen.) Here goes:



Dear thirteen year old me:

Put down the hairspray and step away from the mirror. Teasing your hair like that does not actually make you taller, just so we're clear.

Also, these friends of yours? Are brilliant. Forget the annoying but intriguing male half of the species and just hang out with your girls for a bit. They'll be the ones you'll still miss when you're thirty, and you'll find yourself hoping your kids will be this fortunate. (Keep your eyes peeled for that teensy girl in your graphic arts class. You aren't all that crazy about each other right now, but she'll change your life. And your definition of friendship. You lucky, lucky girl.)

You are right about your family: they are a zany bunch. But you also need to give them a break purely on the grounds of this--they love you. You sense it now, that you have a good family; flawed, sure, but also intact and functioning to its own happy beat. Don't be so moody. Hug your brothers. Try not to break your parents' hearts on such a regular basis.

They are all more fragile than you currently suspect.

I'd have some very specific advice for you, right here, but the truth is that you're just as obstinate as I am, so you'll ignore me (just as you ignore anyone who knows what they're talking about) in that blithe, exasperating fashion you're so proud of. You'll go ahead and choose what you will.

So know this: you'll survive. And you'll come to find there's a certain kind of beauty and strength in survival.

And once again, step away from the mirror. There are all sorts of people around you who would bloom under a little attention, a fragment of concern. Don't miss out on the preciousness of others because you're so consumed with yourself. I know narcissism is like breathing for a thirteen year old, but still. Try.

And nope, sorry, you're done growing. Five two is as good as it gets for you, kiddo.

Be good.
Me



Okay now, I am an equal-opportunity tagger, so if you feel like doing this one, consider yourself tagged. And if you do not have a blog, carpe diem.

And drop me a note if you do this one, kay? I'm curious to see how others approach this meme. Happy Sunday, one and all.