Dear Nain....

I think it was last week sometime when I noticed a trend on twitter.  People were participating in a theme of "What would you tweet your 16 year old self?"  It got me thinking.  Tweets are only a specific number of characters.  What I would have to say to my 16 year old self would be a great deal more than that, that's for sure. 

I know I haven't made it any secret that a lot has changed since I was 16.  I've been through a lot, and a lot of it hasn't been good.  So what would I tell my 16 year old self? 

I would say keep up with the studying and working hard.  Sure, you might think others think you're a nerd, but that hard work does pay off.  Trust me on that one.

You're parents aren't the enemy.  Yes, the curfew is a pain in the butt, and yes, the fact that they wouldn't let you date before the time you were sixteen doesn't seem fair.  But you're lucky.  Always remember that because there are a lot of kids out there who don't have parents who love you and care for you the way you have it.  You truly have been blessed.

Watch out for those parked cars, Nain.  And slow down a little when you're upset.  Look behind you.  Objects in the mirror may and probably do seem closer than they appear. 

Follow your heart.  You love to write, so do it.  Don't give up on your dream.  It might seem unreachable, but it's not.  Do what you love.

Don't wrap your life around one boy.  Don't make him you're only reason for living, and don't make him the only way you're happy.  Yes, it probably does feel like the love you feel for him you will never have for someone again, and yes, your heart does break...but you will love again.  In fact, there is someone out there who will change your world and will fill you with so much love you won't believe it's possible.  And he'll love you for you and won't want to change you, won't be mean to you, would ever dream of breaking your heart.  Just be patient. 

Be careful who you give your heart to.  There are a lot of smooth talkers out there who say the right thing, but listen to your gut.  It won't fail you.

Along that same lines...don't take him back.  You'll know what I mean when you get to that point. Enough said.  Listen to your friends.

Your family are your best friends, your biggest supporters.  Lean on them.  They'll be there for you no matter what. 

Don't worry about what people think about what you wear, the way you dress.  People won't remember you for what brand you wear.  They'll remember you for who you are and how you made them feel.

And lastly, be yourself.  People will love you for who you are. 

What would you tell your 16 year old self?