Dear (Younger) Me,

So I know I am slightly behind (2009 called, they want their idea back), but in my defense, YouTube was doing this too. They are behind, and I am behind them. So everyone is behind.

About a month ago YouTube had this explosion of Dear Me videos. I vowed that I would get around to doing something like a letter or a video, but unfortunately life got in the way. But now I am here, and I have a letter to myself. I was going to do a video but then I realized that I am not as technologically advanced as I think. The Dear Me campaign consisted of letters written by people who are now adults, looking back on their 16 year old selves and imparting on them the knowledge that they have now.

I realize that I am only 18 (going on 19, finally) and that 16 was only a mere 2 years ago. I may not have gotten that much older but I feel like I have grown wiser in some respects. Or, at least that is what I would like to claim.

But here we go.

Dear (younger) me,

Spoiler alert: Life goes down. It goes down. But then, it goes way up. Life, as I have finally figured out, works that way. There are ups and downs, nasty turns but marvelous views. There are a million and one ways to get to a certain destination, and even though you didn't see it at the time, the scenic route was definitely more rewarding than the straightforward route that is ten times faster.

The thing is, you learn so much growing up. Friends come and go, and sometimes even the bestest friends in the world have to fall apart. You don't have to do everything your friends do. It's alright that you don't feel comfortable partying or having loud nights out. You are still you, and you are still unique and important.

All the people that pushed you around at one time or another, another spoiler alert: they don't mean anything. In the future, you will find yourself talking and even reconciling with people that you never thought you would. You will push aside the brick walls that had separated you from them. There are some fights that are worth fighting, and some that you just have to let go of. You will have fights with people that, in the grand scheme of things, aren't there for you at the end of the day. So why are you upset? Why are you hurting over people that don't care for you? Move on! The people that truly do care about you are there: you have to let them in and push out the things and ones that don't matter.

And as for boys, you will meet many. I think this is the hardest part to write about to you, my dear. You know as much as I do that you fall hard for guys: the tall ones, the dark haired ones, the cute ones, the sweet talking ones. But you are so young! Why so serious? Why tie yourself down so quickly? The boys that you thought you were in love with, it's not serious. I'll say it to you again: you will move on! You will meet other guys! It's extremely difficult to move on from someone who you thought loved you, but you will. I know you will, because look where we are now. Focus on finding who you are, and what you want out of  someone, and find that one person that will respect you for being you, and not what your body can or cannot do.

Finally, guess who still hasn't figured their life out? You haven't, or I haven't. Both of us haven't. You probably aren't stressing about this part of life yet. But let your mind roam and your heart desire. There are so many opportunities in the world. Don't let others tie you down into believing that you have to go into a certain career for you to succeed. Because either way, you will. Never think that you are not good enough for this person or that position. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you.

The world has so much to offer you - all you have to do is stand up and go after what they have. Do your best always, never give up and always give 150% in everything you do. Because when you do, great things will happen.

I believe in you and I love you.

Love always,

Me

x R

To the Future Boys That May Become Future Brothers-in-Laws,

Ah, young love. I love it, I hate it, and admittedly I find myself to be jealous of those who are successful with "young love".

I just came to terms with the inner battle of my own "young love" that maybe, I am still too young to understand what love is. All the same, I wonder sometimes how girls that are younger than I am have the strength to carry out long lasting relationships. Is it because maybe they know something more about love than I do? Are they just naive and evasive of potential problems? Or maybe.. they have found their soul mate at the  ever young age of 12 years old?

How do you find true love at 12 years old?

It's weird being the oldest and seeing my younger sisters interact with boys. I'm going to be really frank, we all talk about a lot of different things. What we never talk about is our love life (read: my love life. Or possibly Eleanor's.) You may be marveling at this title that I have chosen for this post. Clearly, my sisters (and myself, for that matter) are a long ways off from finding a soul mate and husband to spend the rest of our lives with. I'm not sure how I will react to seeing them holding hands with (gasp) a boy, but here's a letter of affection to whoever may choose to pursue either one of my lovely sisters:

To the Future Boys That May Become Future Brothers-in-Laws,

First off, seeing my sister texting you, holding hands with you and going places with you makes me cringe just a bit - not because I dislike you, but because I'm trying to figure out where all the time went, and if this is actually reality. As strange as this sensation is to me, I'm trying my best to come to terms with the fact that she is growing up and I was once like her.

So take care of her - tell her that she is special and beautiful. Take her out on dates - plan them and surprise her. Let her take charge and surprise you. Be spontaneous and discover new things and new places together. Make memories with her.

Don't hide things from her - honesty and trust are two major pillars in a relationship. If you can't be upfront with her, ask yourself why. Are you afraid that she will judge you? Are you hiding something that you aren't proud of? Do you think that you can just 'sweep it under the rug' because it doesn't matter? If you are hiding something, then maybe it does. Be honest - the less you hide, the easier if is for her to confide in you.

Communicate with her - tell her how you are feeling about certain things. There is no need to lie about how you feel - a true lady and gentleman respects their love's feelings.If you can't see her in person, text or call her. Let her know that you are alive (please) and that you are still thinking about her.

Respect her - remember that a relationship is a two way street. If you both respect each other's wishes and feelings, the relationship will go a long way. No means no, and if you can't understand that, then you best be moving on until you do.

Respect her family - This is key, my friend. As her family, we aren't going to bite you or hurt you. We just want what is best for our sister. My parents want someone that will respect them and take care of her. So talk to us, get to know us and spend time with us - if you really want to marry my sister, the reality is, you'll be marrying us too.

Understand her - understand who she is, what she loves to do and where she has come from. Try to read between the lines of the story of her life and help her to heal the wounds of the past and build memories for the future.

Most importantly, LOVE her and PRAY her - if you really love my sister, please do all of these things. Pray for her - her dreams, her hopes and her struggles. Pray for her family. Pray for her well being and that she will be able to follow in God's path of righteousness. With God on your side, your relationship will flourish. Take pride in knowing that "If God is for you, who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31).

So love her unconditionally and make God the focus of your relationship. With all these things, I hope to call you my brother-in-law....many years down the road, of course!

Rachel

^^ And I think all of this is my hurt speaking, but hey, at least now I know what I need to look for in a potential husband.

So live out and love mightily, keep God as your focus and of course, spill ink while you do.

Dear Grade 11s,

I think this back to back posting makes up for lack of posting in the past two months, but for whatever reason I have been so inspired by people and things that have happened. Round two of this week, hollaaaa...

So today at lunch there was a meeting for all those students who wanted to run for student council executive this year. It was something that I had discerned but eventually decided not to go for it, despite so many people pressuring me to run for various positions. I've been in a similar situation before as a young kid, and as past president of an elementary school student council, it's a taxing race. I am not saying don't run and don't try, but remember that there is a long road ahead of you. No matter if you were running back then or right now for next year, one thing remains the golden truth: stuff like this is always a popularity contest.

On that note, here is my letter to all grade 11s who are die hard, ready to fight to the death to win applicants, on the fence applicants and applicants who are being forced into doing this by one force or another:

Dear Grade 11s,

First of all, there are two reasons for me writing this. The first being that sometimes, I feel that I am closer to many of you than those in my own grade. I'm not sure if that is pathetic or cute or whatever, but through band class and band trips, Mission Team, Peace Team, locker neighbours, choir and just people that I have gotten to know over the years, I have made many new friends and learned so much from people that are just a bit younger than I am, wisdom that I wish that I had when I was at that age not so long ago.

The other reason is because the journey you are all about to embark on, regardless of what you decide to run for, is going to be a tough one.

Okay, so maybe many of you are thinking that I really have no place to say anything because, HEY RACHEL, you're not even on student council.

Fair enough. However, I've been in a similar situation before and let me tell you, student politics are just one of those things that are fun but at the same time, not fun at all. In the end, as I mentioned before, it is a popularity contest. Unfortunately, this is just how the world rolls.

As you all begin this race with the ultimate prize being a coveted spot on the student council for next year, please keep a few things in mind:

1) Don't run because no one is running -  Yes, it may be really tempting to run for a position that no one runs for because, score! You instantly win by default - no campaigning, no work, no stress. However, there could be a possibility that you have gotten yourself into a position that you either have no experience in or worse, have no interest in. Follow through with what you want, even if it means that you are running against others.

2) Run for what YOU want - Don't run for something because your friends thought it would be a good idea. If you are passionate about music, then by all means, go after becoming music rep! If you really dig doing the arduous task of taking meeting minutes, then go after becoming secretary! Just because your best friend says that you would make a good public relations person doesn't mean that you want to do it (unless you actually do want to) (what is public relations anyways?)

3) Don't make decisions based around others - Many people don't run for things because their best friend is running for the same position. While I totally get that it would be awkward if one wins over the other, you need to remember that this is something that you want to do. If you are all for sacrificing your wants for the good of your friendship, then by all means, step out. However, remember that true friends will support you and in turn, a good friend will support their friends. Think of it as healthy competition and a way to experience new things with your friend.

4) Have a campaign group, not a party - Watching as an outsider during last year's campaign trail, I saw that people made alliances, running for different positions but affiliating with one another and creating a party. While it is a fun and unique way to campaign (and statistically speaking, forming a popular party boosts everyone's chances of winning), there is the chance that someone in your party may not win. And that's awkward. It's great to support each other, but perhaps find most of your support from a trusted friend (AKA campaign manager) and other friends that maybe aren't running for anything.

5) Be unique - So yes, that is super cliche, but if you want to set yourself apart, do something unique while you are campaigning...as long as it's not illegal and that it's something that you can follow through with (for example, I don't really think you can win on a presidential platform of making every Friday senior skip day).

6) Make a good impression... and follow through with it - Remember that there is an unlimited amount of people that can run, but eventually the teachers will choose two for every position (or three, if you are running for religion rep). If you haven't really been that great with teachers but really want to become Vice President, maybe now is a good time to start. And after that, follow through with it. You don't want teachers to think that you were just pretending to get in (trust me, it's happened before!) ** of course, this point is only relevant if that is still happening in this way. Other wise, disregard this lol

7) Don't be discouraged - If by chance you didn't get the position you wanted, relax: it's all good. I know it's difficult, but remember (and I'm going to go all cliche and philosophical for a sec) - things happen for a reason. Maybe you can't see it now, but maybe you are destined to do something else that suits you better: your talents, your interest, your schedule (and believe me, senior year is the last time when you want to have something stuck in your time table that you DON'T want to be doing!)

8) Have fun - This letter wouldn't be complete without reminding you all to have fun. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity - don't waste it because of the fear that you will not win, or get swallowed up in the drama that comes with this (and there will be). Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment. Embrace the loss, celebrate the win, and ultimately remember why you are doing this. To quote my mom, "if you are doing (insert action or task here) with good and selfless intentions, then God will help you through it".

So those are my 8 points. I would hate to see friendships break over something like this because you are all such great people. Nevertheless, best of luck to everyone that is running or planning on running. You guys are in charge now.

And that's it for now.

Be bold, try your best, and spill ink while you do.