So here are a few things I wish I could tell myself when I was 13.
1. It's not the end of the world.
You're 13. So you're life sucks. But it's not the end of the world. Each time you cry yourself to sleep because the jerk who sits behind you in history tells you your Jesus is stupid will be balding before he graduates high school. Speaking of which, you haven't even gotten to high school yet! Stop focusing on your problems and yourself, there is a girl who sits next to you who needs you. Loving others will do more for you than you know.
2. You don't need to take another selfie.
You're 13. I promise you, they already know what you look like. You don't actually need the attention. You're parents really do love you. You already know you're beautiful. Stop editing the pimples out of your photos, it's just a part of growing up. Don't worry about your skinny legs, frizzy hair, or small chest. You have a few more years to grow up. Stop looking at yourself in the mirror and hang out with your mom. Don't worry about wearing makeup yet, it really isn't that cool. You're beautiful because Christ made you so, not because the little punk with too much Axe body spray told you so. So put down the camera and read a book. Or better yet, play outside! You're looking a little pale.
3. You're not going to marry him.
You're 13. In seven years you will laugh. He's a punk, love. He's not going to complete you. Don't be so harsh on your dad when he scares him away. Your dad was right. It's okay if the boy doesn't like you. Dating leads to marriage, there are other ways of "socialization". You're not going to marry your high school boyfriend either. Stop worrying about what everyone else does or thinks and be yourself. And stop obsessing about ironically being "different". Go ahead and wear the tie-dye t-shirt that awesome dad got you on a deployment, even if your class teases you about being a hippy. Give it a year and they'll all be doing it to. The skinny jeans were a good choice, don't listen to your her.
4. Don't be so hard on yourself.
You're 13. Be 13. Don't try to be 16, or 30. Just be a kid. Life is about to get harder. So calm down and be young. The GPA you're about to be obsessed with in high school isn't going to be worth anything. Stop bragging about your grades, it's not cool. Just because you're not the prettiest girl in the room doesn't mean you have to be the smartest. Just be you. Don't be afraid to love Jesus. But don't do "Christian" things to get attention either. Relax about your friends, you don't have to (and can't) solve all their problems.
5. Your friends don't complete you.
You're 13. Like I just said, you are not the glue to your friendships. Let them mess up, it will help them grow. Stop making promises. You don't have to be "besties" with everyone, just live at peace with all. Don't spread yourself thin in order to make them happy, they won't return the favor. In fact, in a few months, they won't care much about you the next four years. And that's okay. It's life. You're growing up, things change. Let them. Stop taking sides, life is hard enough without making things harder. Have true perspective.
6. Jesus is all.
I mean really. Take is seriously. You can get by without knowing all the other five things, but this one is crucial. You need him. He deserves your all, not your scraps. Don't use him for your own gain. Put down the New Testament "magazine" bible, and pick up the real one. Stop hiding behind your shyness. It's not going to be a good enough excuse in eternity. You're at war, stop crying about the meanies in gym. Love them, don't be afraid of them. Take up the armor you were given and love. For real. Middle school is a moment, not an eternity. High school is even smaller than that. So stop giving more weight to what doesn't deserve it, and give true weight to the Son.
In Christ.
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