Dear 16-Year Old Self,

This has been going around the blogging world for a bit, and I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon...

Dear 16-Year Old Desiree,

Right now the silliest things will seem oh-so-important. Those Doc Marten's aren't really worth the two paychecks you'll need to buy them. And, in 10 5 two years no one will care about what shoes you wore. In fact, that daily planner you have hidden in your desk that details what you wear each day (just so you don't repeat something) is ridiculous. You should burn that. Stat.

A teacher and coach of yours once said, "Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff." It's funny at 16, and you'll still giggle about it in 13 years. 

You have some of the best friends. Don't take that for granted (and sometimes you will). There will be a handful that will stick around for the long haul. They are awesome.

Your hair is an unruly mess of curls. Stop trying to fix that with a flat iron! One day you'll realize it's not worth it to fight that mop.

You'll go through a bunch of teachers and coaches. A few will really impact your life. Be sure to listen to what they have to tell you. Some day you'll look back on 16 and want to thank those teachers and coaches. Do it, you will be surprised at how grateful they are.

Be proud to be from Iowa. You want to get out in the worst way. One day you'll move really, really far away. The only place you'll want to be is back home. 

Listen to your parents. And talk to them, they will listen if you just talk! Some days It will seem like they're always on your case about something. They love you. A lot. They're doing everything they can to set you up for success. Give them a little slack (which you won't do until you're about 20). Be sure to tell them you love them. A lot. 

Your brother is a stiff pain in the neck. That won't change much. Eventually though, you'll become close with him. I'm serious, you will. He'll end up being the Godfather to your son (you have a kid! You swore you'd never have kids!), and he'll be an amazing uncle.

Stop being so hard on yourself. Try to love you a little more. 

Establish good eating and working out habits. You'll understand your sophomore year in college, and then again when you get your first "big girl" job. You can be wound pretty tight, and you'll come to appreciate the free therapy that comes from running.

Have fun. But, not too much fun. You'll get caught sneaking out of the house, and that won't be much fun at all. 

Those boys in high school are.not.worth all the tears and trouble. Believe me when I tell you this. Sounds like a bunch of lies, I get it. You will find someone who is better than you could have ever imagined, dream, hoped, or prayed for. Just be patient, and I know you have none of that, but seriously, hang in there. What you're going through is just a bunch of high school drama. *insert dramatic high school eye roll*

You'll become a mom. Your friends joke with you now, telling you about the suburbans full of kids you'll one day have. You'll swear off kids. Then, you'll grow up. And, you will have the most beautiful, perfect little boy who will consume your world and take up your whole heart.

It's a total cliché, but the best really is yet to come. High school is great, but there is so much more waiting for you beyond those halls. 

You'll be surprised at how well you come out of this whole high school thing. Life is really good to you, just be sure to enjoy the ride. Don't wish it away too fast. 

Love,

Your 29-year old self

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