This question was brought to me by my brilliant sister, V.
If you could go back to visit your 12-year old self, what would you say?
I'd say:
"Suzanne, those girls who make fun of you do so because they're scared. They're so desperate to be popular that they'll say and do anything to make you feel like you’re less than them. But don’t worry, because six years from now, you’re going to be the Prom Queen. And not because you were the most beautiful or the reigning Queen Bee, but because you were nice.
And you know all those ideas you jot down? Those ideas are going to be stories. And you will sell them. Those stories will affect and connect people and teach them things about themselves that they don’t even know are there. The same will happen for you as you write.
So when you go to school today and someone snickers about the hair you can’t straighten, know that eventually, you’ll have ringlets so perfect that they’ll make strangers stop and compliment you.
And as you get older, you will learn that those walls you’re building so high can sustain an occasional window.
You will also learn to act brave, even if you’re not. Because no one can tell the difference.
So for now, wipe your eyes and try that. As you walk to school, say this to yourself over and over, ‘Act brave, even if you’re not. No one can tell the difference.’
And I promise, you’re going to be fine.”
What would you say to your 12-year old self?
xoxo,
Suzanne
About Me
- Suzanne Casamento
- Author of Fingerprints, Choosing Tally, and All the Moments in Between. Tweet me @suzannecasamento
Great answer; I loved reading your response.
ReplyDeleteI'd say: "Hang tough girl, it's going to be okay. You will be okay. Believe in yourself because you are stronger than you know. There are also people who love you for who you are, waiting in the wings.
Don't be afraid to challenge things. There is nothing wrong with not knowing the answer, or questioning the world around you.
And continue to love nature, it is something that will continue to ground you and bring you much peace throughout your life."
Run!
ReplyDeleteI'm say: Remember when it was so hard to move from one island to the next? It'll be okay. Make friends in school. Don't be so opinionated and sarcastic. Be easy on yourself, it's not the end, it's a beginning. Go with it and have fun.
ReplyDeleteI would tell my 12 year old self that no matter how hard you try, you cannot control your future so relax, take it one day at a time and dream big. You will find love & you will be loved and those "not in my wildest dreams" dreams will be the ones that become the story of your life.
ReplyDeleteThere will be times of unbearble sadness followed by unimaginable joy and through all of this, you will be strong, you will be wise and you will be okay. And, you will find that by being brave, even if you're not but by pretending to be, will make all the difference. ;)
Show everyone kindness and respect. Kindness melts defensive walls and everyone benefits and enjoys. Respect makes everyone stand taller and strive for more.
ReplyDeleteI would tell myself to get over being shy; otherwise, people are going to think you're stuck up and guys won't want to date you.
ReplyDeleteToo bad I found this out AFTER I graduated high school. ;)
Having a boyfriend isn't all it's cracked up to be.
ReplyDeleteI'd say "Meet that wise Suzanne and take note of EVERY THING she tells you!--and quit shopping off the bargain racks at the mall--save up for the one perfect pair of jeans or that full-price sweater you love. It's worth it."
ReplyDelete