Hey You

If you could talk to your 17 year old self what would you say?

Would you tell you to lighten up or study more? Eat healthier or enjoy those fries? Get more sleep or watch the classic movies? Practice makes perfect or perfection is subjective? Be more kind or grow thicker skin? Devote more time to God, to your family, to your friends?

I've envisioned my conversation going something like this...

"Hey you! I'm so happy to be you. I know you haven't given me much thought, yet, and I think that's worked to our advantage. I would, however, like to tell you a few things. Give your mom a break, she's human and she loves you more than you'll ever know...at least until you meet Dylan. No, not 90210 Dillon. You'll see. Stop laying in the sun with baby oil. Try SPF 30. OK, I'll take SPF 15. Wear your shorts as short as you can...you won't have those thighs for very long. It's o.k. to fall in love. No, not with him. Wait a few years. It's o.k. to cry. It's o.k. to cry in front of people. You are smart, even if you can't spell and have a bad sense of direction. Spell check and MapQuest are on their way. Just because someone is wealthy does not mean they are crooked. Jesus should not freak you out, just read the Bible and decide for yourself. Stop smoking...that's just gross and you look ridiculous, not mysterious. Share your poetry. Share your feelings. Soak in your athletic experiences...the friendships, the victories and losses, the bus rides, and thank your coaches. Thank your teachers, especially your Algebra II teacher. Moving this final year of high school is preparing you for college. You have a really good attitude about it but stop using it as leverage. College is going to be trying, remember who you are...be kind to yourself and your body. What? Oh, you have to go? Everyone is meeting at the courthouse, I understand. Have fun!"